WELSHMAN Jamie Donaldson left a world-class field trailing in his wake with a brilliant course-record 62 at the BMW Masters in Shanghai.
WELSHMAN Jamie Donaldson left a world-class field trailing in his wake with a brilliant course-record 62 at the BMW Masters in Shanghai.
Donaldson, whose Irish Open victory at Royal Portrush in July was his first in 255 European Tour events, birdied 10 of the first 16 holes at Lake Malaren and then saw his chip to the short 17th lip out of the hole.
After paring the 471 yard last the 37 year old held a four stroke lead over Ryder Cup stars Francesco Molinari and Peter Hanson.
Ryder Cup Captain José María Olazábal, without a top ten finish since January, World Number One Rory McIlroy and his fellow Northern Irishman Michael Hoey all signed for 67s to share fourth on five under par.
McIlroy was back on the course where he won the Shanghai Masters a year ago and a closing birdie ensured he got the better of his nearest Race to Dubai challengers Justin Rose and Branden Grace.
“It was relatively benign conditions out there. So, you know, the course was there for the taking,” said the 23-year-old.
“Obviously Jamie shot 10-under which is a phenomenal score, and I was just trying to keep somewhere within touching distance.
“I’m happy with how I played today and I’m in a good position going into tomorrow.”
Rory failed to make it through the round robin stage of the World Golf Finals event in Turkey a fortnight ago but was back to something like his best yesterday.
“I basically took the week off in Turkey. I didn’t touch a club until the day of the tournament so I wouldn’t read too much into that,” he added.
“I prepared well last week. Did a lot of great work with Michael and I’m just trying to bring what I worked on last week to here. It’s still feeling a bit uncomfortable at times, but it’s definitely a lot better than it was.”
It was also a welcome return to form for Michael Hoey who didn’t drop a shot in matching McIlroy’s 67.
Ranked 61st in the Race to Dubai, a good finish would cement Hoey’s place inside the top 60 and therefore secure a place at the season-ending World Tour Championship in Dubai.
“It was nice. I hit a good shot into the first and rolled in a 10-footer,” said Michael who will play alongside Rory and Jose Maria Olazabal today.
“No bogeys, that was the main thing today. I was happy not to make any mistakes.
“I was a bit disappointed not to birdie at least one of the par fives coming home but at the end of the day I’d have taken that score before the start. I gives me a bit of lie in and means I will get to play with a couple of the world’s best players tomorrow.”
Olazábal had five birdies in his bogey-free round and was delighted to return to form after the stresses and strains of Ryder Cup Captaincy.
“It’s great to shoot a low round,” he said.
“I hit a lot of good iron shots and had quite a few birdie chances; that’s why I managed to score well.
“Tomorrow and the next few days if I want to score well I will have to improve the driving.”
Graeme McDowell made a solid but unspectacular start and trails Donaldson by seven after a three under 69 while Darren Clarke shot a one over 73
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