Estoril Open:Spaniard Pablo Martin leads
April 4, 2008
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.
[...] Original post by hookedongolf [...]
[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI 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. … [...]