GOLF DIGEST: US TOUR:Holder Anthony Kim fired a course-record, eight-under-par 62 to set the early pace in the first round of the ATT National at Congressional Country Club yesterday.
The 24-year-old registered eight birdies to hold a two-shot lead over fellow Americans DA Points, world number one Tiger Woods, the tournament host, and Bryce Molder.
“This golf course fits my eye and when I hit it wide I seem to get lucky out here,” said Kim after taking advantage of ideal scoring conditions.
“I love coming back to a course I have good feelings about and obviously playing well last year helped. I’m starting to see the break on these greens pretty well.” Tied for third on 66 were American Jim Furyk and Swede Daniel Chopra. Americans Boo Weekley and Michael Allen and Britains Justin Rose were a further stroke adrift.
Kim reeled off six birdies in a back-nine 29.
WOMEN'S TOUR:Lisa Holm Sorensen equalled the LET's all time lowest rounds with an 11-under-par 62 on a scorching first day at the SAS Ladies Masters.
The 26-year-old Dane posted 11 birdies at Larvik Golfklubb in Norway. She fired six birdies over the back nine, which she played as her first, before carding a further five over the front nine.
The next best score was English player Samantha Head’s seven-under 66, which included eight birdies and two bogeys.
Rebecca Coakley is best of the Irish on three-under-par 70.
CHALLENGE TOUR:Northern Ireland's Richard Kilpatrick leads the Irish challenge in Switzerland after a four-under-par 69 in the opening round of the Credit Suisse Challenge at Wylihof GC.
The 27-year-old from Banbridge Golf Club picked up four birdies without a dropped shot to lie two behind the clubhouse leaders, Stuart Davis and Simon Robinson of England.
On a blistering hot day in Luterbach which was disrupted by an afternoon thunderstorm, Davis picked up three birdies on each nine to set the early clubhouse target of six under par, later matched by Robinson.
Portugal’s Tiago Cruz, Welshman Tim Dykes and England’s Lee James are just one off the pace on 68.
AMATEUR:Ireland put behind them the disappointment of failing to make the top flight in the European Amateur Team Championship at Conwy in North Wales yesterday and overcame plucky Portugal in an extra-hole thriller.
They beat the Portuguese 3-2 and will today face Iceland in their continuing quest to finish in ninth place,the best possible outcome after missing a first flight spot.
Portstewart’s Paul Cutler was the hero of yesterday as he squeezed home at the 20th hole against Nuno Henriques in the top singles encounter.
Cutler was involved in a nip and tuck battle with Henriques but held his nerve to secure a winning par three at the second extra hole when his rival missed the green from the tee.
Earlier Cian Curley and Dara Lernihan had won their foursomes match 4 and 2 against Hugo Mota and Manuel Violas- and then Brabazon Trophy winner Niall Kearney completed the victory with a comfortable all the way 6 and 4 success against Jose Maria Joia.
Alan Dunbar,the St Andrews Links Trophy winner and County Louth’s Simon Ward both suffered defeats.
This nail-biting victory came as a relief for new captain Kevin Flanagan.
“The guys had to pick themselves up after the disappointment on missing out on the top flight- and they did just that.”
Meanwhile Scotland came from behind to beat Sweden 4-3 and book a place in today’s semi-finals in which they will clash with Italy, convincing conquerors of Germany yesterday. England also made the semi-finals after a 4½-2½ win over France and will now face Norway - 5-2 winners over Finland - this morning .
