David Law fired a flawless seven under opening round 64 at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Lee Westwood to take a one stroke lead at the first tournament of the European Tour’s UK Swing.
The 29-year-old Scot, who has one European Tour title to his name at last year’s ISPS Handa Vic Open, hit a red hot streak with seven birdies in eight holes from the sixth – the only par during that run came courtesy of a wondrous save from the heavy gorse at the 11th.
“I was playing steady. You might not be sure what to expect coming into today after the long break. I was delighted with that,” said Law.
“It’s still a little strange, but the Tour have done a fantastic job. So far I think it’s gone really well. The club has hosted us really well. It’s a new time for us, we’re all learning and we’ll all have to get used to it. The whole week so far has been very positive.”
Law finished the day one shot clear of Englishmen Oliver Fisher and Garrick Porteous and Italy’s Renato Paratore, who carded rounds of 65 at Close House Golf Club.
“I added my score up at the end and it’s weird to think I’ve shot 65 today – obviously I’m chuffed about it. It’s weird to be back and playing professional golf, and I’m delighted with my score,” said Fisher.
“I started off okay, the pins here and the greens are quite tricky in places, they tuck them and there are ridges on the edges of the greens where it can fall off and they can catch you out. There was a little bit of rain and it was quite fiery, there was a bit of a skid going, so with wedges early on it was hard to get close.”
The tournament host, former World Number One Westwood, battled to a one under 70 while his fellow Englishman Eddie Pepperell had a solid start on his return to golf after four months out, signing for a four under 67.
