Estoril Open:Spaniard Pablo Martin leads

ESTORIL, Portugal(AFP) – Pablo Martin, who made history here in 2007 when he became the first amateur to win on the European Tour, rekindled his love with the Estoril Open by grabbing a share of the lead and setting a new course record on Thursday.

The 20-year-old Spaniard began his title defence with an eight under par 63, beating the old Oitavos Dunes course record of 65.

France’s Gregory Bourdy then equalled Martin’s new record to take a share of the first round lead with Sweden’s Michael Jonzon and Spanish duo Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Jose Manuel Lara locked together a shot further back.

“It’s good to start the tournament this way,” said Martin who carded eight birdies and ten pars on a perfect scoring day.

“I just love this place. I can speak Spanish with everyone around here and I just feel comfortable. I think the golf course is a great track as well.”

Martin enjoyed a memorable final hole whe he hit a seven iron from 183 yards to within centimetres of the hole to set up a tap-in birdie.

“I am very focused on doing well this week. I wasn’t sloppy or anything and it’s nice to try and defend a title. It gives you extra motivation and makes you care a little bit more about the week.”

Ryder Cup players Darren Clarke and David Howell are also in contention.

Howell joined Frenchman Thomas Levet, who won in Marbella last week, among others on four under par, while Clarke is part of a 13 way tie on three under.

Not again: Michelle Wie receives sponsor exemption for Ohio tournament in July

Again a sponsor give’s Wie an exemption…. here’s the full story:

SYLVANIA, Ohio (AP) — Michelle Wie has accepted a sponsor exemption to play in the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic in suburban Toledo this summer.

Wie, a freshman at Stanford, first played in the tournament as a 13-year-old amateur in 2003.

The LPGA pro was sidelined with wrist problems that shortened her season last year. Two weeks ago, she received an exemption to play in the Safeway tournament but withdrew after injuring her left wrist. Wie has played in one tournament so far this year.

Se Ri Pak (say ree PAHK) became the first LPGA player to win the same tournament six times when she captured the Farr title last summer. The tournament starts July 10.