ISPS Handa World Invitational: Ewen Ferguson takes control with another 61 | Golf News

Ewen Ferguson took the lead after day one of the ISPS Handa World Invitational, sitting at 9 under and England’s Richard Bland was one of the closest contenders at 5 under. American Amanda Doherty heads the women’s event.Watch her live for Day 2 on Sky Sports Golf Friday at 1pm

Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson posted his second 61 in two weeks after opening the ISPS Handa World Invitational, extending his lead by four strokes.

Ferguson took the eagle on the 10th and 18th with 5 birdies in a perfect 9-under-par round at Galgom Castle, one of the two courses used in the event, which features simultaneous men’s and women’s tournaments. was recorded.

“I feel good,” said the 26-year-old, who also posted a 61 in the second round of the Hero Open at the Fairmont St. Andrews.

“I was actually texting Jamie[his coach Gaff]yesterday about some things that were going wrong in the Pro-Am yesterday. continued.

Ewen Ferguson setting the pace in Northern Ireland

“It was nice to avoid all of them today.

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England’s Richard Brand, Sweden’s Felix Parsson and Spain’s Borja Bart are Ferguson’s closest challengers at 5-under, while South Africa’s Thomas Aiken is part of a large group at 4-under in his first appearance of the year. is.

“First of all, I’m happy to be back,” Aiken said. “First I had some family issues, then Covid, now my green card application, and it was a strange three years where I couldn’t leave the country.

“There wasn’t a lot of golf in the tournament, but it definitely caused a bit of hunger. ”

Players complete 18 holes at Galgorm Castle and 18 holes at Masseline Golf Club before an intermediate cut (tied for top 60) is made at each tournament and further tied with the top 35 players after 54 holes.

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Former Masters winner Patrick Reed says players are moving to the LIV Tour for good reason and can do more than hold their own against their PGA Tour counterparts.

The £2.5m purse will be split evenly between events promoted to DP World Tour status, inaugural on the 2019 Challenge Tour. The event saw local favorite Stephanie Meadow win the women’s tournament and Jack Sr. take the men’s title.

In the women’s event, USA’s Amanda Doherty leads the pack at 6-under par, one stroke ahead of a strong group that includes Ireland’s Leona Maguire and England’s Georgia Hall.

“It’s never ideal when you hit your first tee shot out of bounds, but it held up well,” said Maguire. “I didn’t hit my tee shot well today.

“I didn’t have many drop shots, but it was really nice for my putt to stay there. It’s always nice to finish with three birdies at the end. So a change of scenery is good.”

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