Pierre Fulke of Sweden and Spanish favourite José Maria Olazábal shared the lead after the first round of the £2 million Volvo Masters at Montecastillo Hotel and Golf Resort, while Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie struck an early blow against Volvo Order of Merit leader Lee Westwood in that particular race.
Fulke, winner of the Scottish PGA Championship, took advantage of easier morning conditions to fire a five under par 67, while Olazábal was the best of the later starters by picking up an eagle at the 12th and birdies at the 16th and 18th to match the Swede.
One stroke behind are Greg Owen of England, Scotland’s Dean Robertson – who shot 68 with a triple bogey six on his card at the 14th – and Clarke, who struck form towards the end of his round with a hat-trick of birdies.
Montgomerie, winner of the Volvo Order of Merit title for the past seven years, finished with a 69 to stay in contention for an eightsome reel, but Westwood stumbled over the same holes were his main rivals profited.
After making an eagle at the 12th and birdie at the 13th to move to two under, the Englishman proceeded to drop six shots over the next four holes to finish with a round of 76.
Olazábal said: “The wind made it very difficult and it was hard to see the distances and choose the right club. The key was making birdies at the par fives, especially given the weather conditions. After taking two weeks off this round is a nice surprise.”
Clarke, who can overtake Westwood with a high finish this week before moving into the final tournament of the season, commented: “I had really good control of my ball flight and managed to knock the ball down under the wind.
“I didn’t see what anyone else was doing. I just have to go out and play as well as I can. The last thing I want to do is get ahead of myself or that can lead to big trouble. It’s a hard enough game without worrying about others!”
Montgomerie, who had expressed a desire to get his name on the leader board early in the week, remarked: “I achieved that objective within six holes and stayed there. That was a good effort. I know my objective. It doesn’t matter what anyone else does – I have to win both tournaments.
“I am playing well enough. I averaged 65.15 in the Cisco World Match Play at Wentworth, breaking the scoring record which lasted over 30 years, and still didn’t win the thing. This was the first of eight of the most important rounds I’ve played for eight years and if I can keep scoring in the sixties I’ll be happy.”
