After the first round of Thursdays Hero Open on the European tour, Sean Crocker shot a course record 9-under-63 to lead by just one shot.
It was the Americans lowest round, with eight birdies and an Eagle at Fairmont St. Andrews. This is just up the road to the Old Course, where the British Open took place two weeks ago.
Crocker went on a run of birdie-birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie from the third hole and had four birdies in five holes from No. 11.
That was fun, said No. 241-ranked Crocker. I don’t get many days like that on greens, but it seems to end in nice low rounds when I get it started. This is a good thing because I am not as used to it like some of these guys.
Crocker missed nine cuts in the first season of the season. He described that as the hardest thing Ive ever been through.
He said that people talk about the mental side to sport, but thats probably the most dark time Ive ever been on a golf course.
Its not the first time Ive had bad luck on the golf course. Its all a matter learning to accept it. I thought to myself, OK, so youve been blessed to play good-quality golf all your life, now youre going for a taste of what its like to be a professional.
After rounds 64s, five players tied for second place: Romain Langasque from France, Ben Stow and Ashley Chesters of England, Jens Dantorp from Sweden, and Adrian Otaegui (Spanish).
