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4 AUGUST, 2022 - DP WORLD TOUR: There was a three-way tie for the lead after Day One of the Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale at The Celtic Manor Resort, where Frenchman Julien Guerrier, Connor Syme of Scotland and England’s Dale Whitnell all carded four under par rounds of 67 to move clear of the pack.
The breezy conditions, with gusts blowing and changing direction throughout, made for a tough opening day on the Twenty Ten Course – which hosted the Ryder Cup 12 years ago – so low scores were at a premium.
Whitnell carded arguably the most impressive round of the day as he was the only player in the field not to drop a shot, the 33-year-old carding four birdies as he chases a maiden DP World Tour title.
Syme dropped his only shot of the day on the tenth – his last hole, having teed off at the 11th – to just miss out on holding the solo overnight lead, while Guerrier racked up seven birdies in the tricky conditions but had to battle for his place at the top, having been two over par after four holes.
The breezy conditions, with gusts blowing and changing direction throughout, made for a tough opening day on the Twenty Ten Course – which hosted the Ryder Cup 12 years ago – so low scores were at a premium.
Whitnell carded arguably the most impressive round of the day as he was the only player in the field not to drop a shot, the 33-year-old carding four birdies as he chases a maiden DP World Tour title.
Syme dropped his only shot of the day on the tenth – his last hole, having teed off at the 11th – to just miss out on holding the solo overnight lead, while Guerrier racked up seven birdies in the tricky conditions but had to battle for his place at the top, having been two over par after four holes.
IMAGE BY MATT HOOPER
“It was good. I played very solid, my only dropped shot was on my last hole today, so I’m very pleased" SAID THE DRUMOIG MAN. "It was very tricky, the wind was moving all over the place, certainly on the back nine for us so it was just trying to stay on top of the best you can. I had a few good up and downs but one poor swing all day which is a very promising start."
“It was definitely a lot calmer when we played on the back nine, where I started. The way the direction was especially when winds were across, it could be into the wind or downwind, so it makes such a big difference to which club you need to play – two or three clubs sometimes. The gusts are so important and it’s really difficult, for my caddie especially to try and help me out there.
“Overall I’m pleased, I kept my ball out of the trouble well and it’s a good start. You’ve got to drive it well and the greens are pretty undulating in parts as well so you need to be cautious about where you’re leaving it.
“It challenges every part of your game, all round you need to play really good golf to score, it’s just a challenging golf course.”
Eddie Pepperell, who finished runner-up at last week’s Hero Open, was one of six players tied for second place on three under par – the Englishman having signed for a 68 which included six birdies, a bogey and a double bogey.
“It was definitely a lot calmer when we played on the back nine, where I started. The way the direction was especially when winds were across, it could be into the wind or downwind, so it makes such a big difference to which club you need to play – two or three clubs sometimes. The gusts are so important and it’s really difficult, for my caddie especially to try and help me out there.
“Overall I’m pleased, I kept my ball out of the trouble well and it’s a good start. You’ve got to drive it well and the greens are pretty undulating in parts as well so you need to be cautious about where you’re leaving it.
“It challenges every part of your game, all round you need to play really good golf to score, it’s just a challenging golf course.”
Eddie Pepperell, who finished runner-up at last week’s Hero Open, was one of six players tied for second place on three under par – the Englishman having signed for a 68 which included six birdies, a bogey and a double bogey.
