Racing enthusiast Richard Green sprinted out of the blocks at Loch Lomond to set the clubhouse targe tat seven under par during the first round of The Barclays Scottish Open.
The Australian left-hander – who admits he would love to race V8s if it wasn’t for his golf career – compiled a tremendous 64 with only one dropped shot to take an early one shot advantage over the chasing pack.
The highlight of the former Dubai Desert Classic winner’s round was an eagle three at the 13th, which was complemented by six birdies.
“It was just a great round of golf, solid, very much under control,” he said.
“That's a pretty good score. I was pretty relaxed and sort of took on the attitude I took on here last year, it seemed to work.
“I hit two great shots down 13, great drive, great three wood on the green and rolled in a putt that was breaking probably eight feet right to left from 35 feet away.”
Hot on Green’s heels are Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño and England’s Graeme Storm, who both shot six under rounds of 65.
“It's absolutely perfect to get the greens as good as they are, rolled the ball well, pleased with the start of the week,” said Strom.
“I think that I've earned the right to be out here and I've been quite consistent with where I've finished in The Order of Merit, and I won in 2007 and that's where I would like to be more often. There's a lot of great players out there and everybody has to understand that everybody is fighting for the same thing and obviously with The Race to Dubai, even more so this year.”
Laird plays most his golf on the US PGA Tour and had spoken before the tournament of his excitement of playing on home turf for a change.
He certainly made a good impression, carding a bogey-free round.
Out on the course, Ireland's Paul McGinley and Australian star Adam Scott both reached five under par through 13 holes.
