Cameron Tringale hit a spectacular 61 in the first round of the Scottish Open on Friday (AEST).
Australia’s Jason Scrivener had set the early pace thanks to a 69 in North Berwick before three-time Major champion Jordan Spieth continued his preparations for next week’s British Open at St Andrews with a round of 68, only for South African Justin Harding, the 65 shot.
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However, those results were eclipsed by Tringale’s rise to the top of the leaderboard.
The American, yet to win a professional event, started the back nine with six straight birdies to reach nine under par.
That meant he had to play the last three holes in two holes to shoot just the second 59 in the history of the DP World Tour, as the European Tour is now called.
However, the world No. 55 missed from 12 feet for birdie on the par-5 16 and parried the final two holes to return a 61, equaling Bernd Wiesberger’s 2019 course record.
“I’ve had some brilliant flashes over the past few months, but this was a special day for sure,” Tringale said. “It would mean a whole lot (to win).
“I’ve never had a professional win and of course Scotland is where golf started, so this place is special. Everyone here has an appreciation for the game,” added the 34-year-old, who is now two shots ahead of compatriot Gary Woodland.
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Harding might not even play at North Berwick this week if a ban on DP World Tour members who played last month’s first breakaway LIV Golf event had been upheld.
But the suspensions imposed on Harding, Ian Poulter – who fell to an eight-over-par 78 on the east coast of Scotland on Thursday – and Adrian Otaegui have been temporarily suspended until over theirs after a hearing before Sport Resolutions (UK). material appeals was decided ) this week.
The Telegraph’s James Corrigan was scathing in his account of Poulter’s performance at North Berwick.
“Ian Poulter must be wondering why he bothered to take his home circuit to court,” Corrigan wrote.
“The Englishman fought to have his ban lifted from Monday night’s Scottish Open but less than 70 hours later he fired an eight-over-78 that dropped him 16 shots behind the leaders and finished 151st in the 160-man field .place occupied.
“Keith Pelley, CEO of DP World Tour, wouldn’t be a person if he didn’t at least allow himself a grin over Poulter’s problems in the first round of the Scottish Open.
Billy Horschel accused some of the Rebels of being “hypocrites and liars” in his pre-tournament press conference, and Harding said after his first round, “I’m by no means a fighter. I’m not confrontational so it’s an awkward situation to be in.
“I always thought it would be a little tricky, but I didn’t realize it was going to get blown up like that.”
The 36-year-old added: “I was a bit upset when I was told I couldn’t play. I have supported the European Tour for a long time and am happy to continue to do so. I didn’t have too many problems (with other players). There are times when it’s a bit uncomfortable, but we have to take care of ourselves.”
Harding has earned more than $1 million from the singles element of the two LIV Golf events to date, finishing 10th in the inaugural tournament at Centurion Club, north of London.
“It was an invitational, it was worth a lot of money and I felt like I could be there,” he said.
For the Australians in action, Cameron Smith was the best choice as he finished tied 15th with a two-under-68 finish.
Scrivener was a shot behind, as was Lucas Herbert.
Marc Leishman, Scott Hend, Min Woo Lee and Maverick Antcliff have all gone off the pace.