Sam Meek won’t forget his first competitive round in Scotland after recording an albatross in the opening round of the Amateur championship at Royal Aberdeen.
The Canadian is tied second on two under par after the opening day’s play with the blustery conditions testing the 288-strong field at the Balgownie course and Murcar Links.
South African Wilco Nienaber leads the way after a four-under 66 at Murcar Links with the top 64 players at the end of play today progressing to the match-play stages of the prestigious R&A event. A place in next month’s Open championship at Carnoustie and next year’s Masters at Augusta are among the prizes on offer to the tournament winner.
The shot of the day at the wind-swept Aberdeen courses belonged to University of Nevada student Meek, who holed his second at the 491-yard par five sixth hole at Royal Aberdeen.
The 19-year-old, who carded a 69, said: “That was my first albatross. I hit a hybrid 4-iron off the tee and I had 240 yards to go so I took a five iron. It was a totally blind shot but it looked good and when people around the green started to jump up and down I figured it had gone in the hole. It was a pretty cool moment.
“It took me to four under through six holes. I had a little scare when I dropped three shots over the first four holes on the back nine and started to go in the wrong direction.
“But sometimes, in the wind, making a bogey can still be pretty good.”
The Toronto golfer added: “This is my first time in Scotland and it is a real eye-opener as I lost a dozen balls in my practice round here, just trying to figure out the course.
“I might not even play golf back home if the wind was as strong as this but this is some of the most fun I’ve had playing golf, so I’m looking forward to keeping it going at Murcar. We’re only halfway, so I need to stay patient.”
Australian David Micheluzzi was the early clubhouse leader after his opening two under par 69 at Royal Aberdeen before Nienaber shot the low round of the day at Murcar Links. The Melbourne teenager said: “If I was told I’d shoot 69 before the round I’d be pretty happy but I was pretty disappointed with how I finished. I was three over in my last four.
“The holes into the wind are so difficult but I love links golf. I’m from Melbourne and we have this at the peninsula all the way at the bottom.
“I played here on Sunday for the first time and it was awesome.”
Viktor Hovland, from Norway, the highest ranked player at the tournament at number five in the world, opened with a solid one-under par 70 at Royal Aberdeen. Turnhouse’s Euan McIntosh is the leading Scot after a solid level-par 71 at Royal Aberdeen.
