MARC WARREN made the most of new equipment to impress playing partner Darren Clarke – next year’s Ryder Cup captain – by firing a flawless 65 in the opening round of the British Masters at Woburn.
The Scot had an early share of the lead but had to settle for joint second place after Matthew Fitzpatrick, one of the later players out, went one better.
Three others joined Warren on the six-under-par mark – Fitzpatrick’s fellow Englishman Lee Slattery, Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen and Sweden’s Robert Karlsson.
Starting on the back nine on the Marquess course, Warren picked up his first shot of the day on the 14th and also birdied the 16th to reach the turn in 34.
Seeking his fourth European Tour title, the 34-year-old from Glasgow then birdied four of his first seven holes on the front nine, including holing from 30 feet on the fifth.
“I like testing new equipment but unless it’s absolutely right it doesn’t go in the bag,” Warren said. “I’ve used the same ball and irons for three years and the driver for a year, so this is rare for me.
“It was great to play with Darren because he has a great attitude on the course and will make you feel comfortable. He is looking forward to the EurAsia Cup in January and getting into that environment as captain and I think that’s a great idea.”
A six-strong group carded 66s – Irish duo Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington, Bradley Dredge of Wales, Mikael Lundberg of Sweden, Romain Wattel of France and Australia’s Marcus Fraser. Luke Donald was a shot a shot further back and “nervous” tournament host Ian Poulter carded a 68.
Fitzpatrick, 21, is in his first full season on the European Tour after coming through the qualifying school last November, but is currently 36th on the Race to Dubai after three top-three finishes in his last seven events.
Warren was the only Scot out of seven to make any impression on opening day in Bedfordshire.
David Drysdale of the Borders along with Stirling’s Craig Lee share 72nd place at one over par while Stephen Gallacher visited the on-course doctor immediately after a round of 76 and was advised to withdraw.
Gallacher is struggling with a virus and only managed to play eight holes of the Pro-Am a day earlier.
“I’m just not feeling great. I’ve had nothing to eat and just felt sick all the time today," he said.
“The doctor said it’s best I withdraw and just get over what is making me feel so ill. I just can’t bend over as I am feeling so dizzy, and when I stand over a putt I felt like I was going to keel over.”
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