BALLYMENA Northern Ireland — Scotland Ewen FergusonGalgorm Castle Golf Club set a course record with a 9 under 61 to take a four-shot lead following Thursdays opening round of the ISPS Handa World Invitational.
Ferguson chipped in with eagle on 10th and 18th, and added five birdies to his flawless opening day at Galgorm Castle. It is one of two courses used during the event that features men’s and women’s tournaments taking places simultaneously.
Richard BlandEngland Felix PalsonSweden and Spain Borja VirtoAll five were equal.
Bland at No. Bland at No. Since June, he has been playing LIV Golf events.
Ferguson broke the course record by one shot and described it as a pretty good feat.
The tournament is jointly sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour, and the LPGA Tour. The men and the women compete from different tees, and each player receives $1.5 million in prize funds.
Before the halfway cut, players will play 18 holes at Galgorm Castle or 18 holes at Massereene Golf Club. After 54 holes, a cut will be made to the top 35 players and any ties.
The womens tournament was won by Amanda Doherty from the United States. Her 6-under 67 included seven birdies at Galgorm Castle and one bogey.
Doherty, a 24-year-old, was one shot ahead in a four-strong group which included Irelands. Leona MaguireEnglands Georgia Hall. American Lauren Coughlin, Dane Emily Kristine PedersenThey were also a shot back from Massereene.
Doherty stated that she was trying to be present in the moment. I feel like I was just in that mindset when I started the day. I stayed there and remained patient. I know its kind of cliché, but it works. I hit the ball well. I hit a few good putts and there were some par-5s that were reachable, so it just sort of all came together.
Maguire is the No.1 player in the field. 17 in the women’s global ranking.