After a day of gusting winds, sporadic rain and biting cold at the Madeira Islands Open BPI, Ricardo Santos, one of Portugal’s most promising golfing talents, upstaged a former Ryder Cup player and a four time winner on the US PGA Tour to lead after an outstanding first round of six under par 66.
The men Santos upstaged – England’s Peter Baker and Notah Begay III of the USA – posted opening scores of five under 67, but they could not better the Portuguese’s excellent first round that included seven birdies and a single bogey amidst what can only be described as horrible conditions.
The 23 year old from Vilamoura has been a professional for less than a year, but he put all of his inexperience to one side to outscore Baker, Begay III and indeed the rest of the field.
Former Madeira Islands Open BPI champion Robert-Jan Derksen of the Netherlands is joined by Germany’s Martin Kaymer, Argentina’s Daniel Vancsik and Mads Vibe-Hastrup of Denmark on four under, with another former winner, Santiago Luna of Spain, and Molinari tied on three under.
Defending champion Jean Van de Velde of France carded a three over 75, but the man of the hour was most certainly Santos, who was pleased to be leading such a quality leaderboard after day one, but fully aware of how long there is to go before the tournament reaches its climax on Sunday afternoon
“It’s a good start but I know I have a lot to do,” he said. “It is hard to make the move from amateur to professional but I have practised and practised very hard to help me with my ambitions. Today the difference was my putting.”
Baker may be 15 years older than the man leading him by a single stroke, but the 39 year old feels like he is starting a new chapter of his golfing career.
Inspired by Europe’s record-equalling 2006 Ryder Cup victory, in which Baker played a significant role as one of Ian Woosnam’s Vice-Captains, the Englishman felt more like a rookie than a veteran at this, the first European Tour event of his 2007 season.
“The time I had off with The Ryder Cup and watching it all and being so close to it was definitely inspirational,” said three time European Tour winner Baker, “but I have to be honest and say that I think I was just totally burnt out. I have been doing this for 20 years and for the last few years I have been struggling.
“I had the winter off and didn’t do a great deal, just thought things over and that has allowed me to wipe the slate clean and start again. I am hoping that this can be Chapter Two of my golf career because I think that I have a few good years left in me. I believe that I can get the game going again and that I can get the right attitude again.”
Begay III’s attitude and adaptability ensured that the American had a hugely successful European Tour debut on the Tour’s home Continent.
“This was my European Tour baptism round,” smiled Begay III. “I had steered clear of the bad weather for my first four events. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and then Asia, we played in warm conditions, but this was definitely not hot. I saw a little bit of everything today – rain, sun, everything. At one point I was sweating but my ears where cold and that was interesting!
“But that’s what I really like about this golf course – you can play it in any condition. It gives you an opportunity to score as long as you play the hole smartly and it is designed to be played when it is really windy.”
