England’s Steve Webster has found timely form ahead of his American debut after a five under par 67 put him in a share of the lead with compatriot Mark Foster in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.
Webster has never played golf in America but that will change next week having qualified for the US PGA Championship at Baltusrol. His only previous visit to America was earlier this year when he travelled to Las Vegas to celebrate his 30th birthday.
“I broke even,” said Webster. “Which was pretty good.”
Regarding his first appearance in the season's final Major Championship, he added: “They are all big events but I have never played in America before. If I am playing well I will look forward to it. It is going to be difficult but if I am playing well I will love it, I know I will. I don’t know what the course is like next week. But this is quite a tricky driving course so should stand me in good stead.”
Playing the back nine of the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles first, Webster went out in level par but roared home in 31 strokes to join overnight leader Foster at the top of the leaderboard on six under par 138.
Webster, who claimed his maiden European Tour title in May when he won the Telecom Italia Open, has also benefited from a few sessions with coach Bob Torrance.
Foster led by two after the first round and continued to sit atop the leaderboard after a two under par 70. An eagle on the par five 16th helped his cause after a day when he maintained his patience and composure with little going his way.
Frenchman Gregory Bourdy rekindled memories of his victory in the 2002 Scottish Youths Amateur Championship when he climbed to the top of the leaderboard, reaching seven under par before two late bogeys brought him back to five under par 139 having shot a 69.
He was joined on that mark by a third Englishman Sam Little, who carded a 68.
Raphael Jacquelin of France shot the low round of the day, a six under par 66 despite a bogey on the last to stay well in touch with the leaders on three under while 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie delighted the home fans when he eagled his final hole, the ninth to complete a four under par 68 to lie on two under par 142.
Lawrie is showing signs of a return to his best form, his second shot on the ninth with a Heaven Wood travelling 247 yards to three feet merely highlighting how well he is striking the ball.
“I am a far better player now than I was then (in 1999),” said Lawrie. “I hit far more good shots and quality shots than I used to. But my short game was mustard back then. I would like my short game of 1999 and long game of now. That would be a nice combination.”
