Richard Sterne posted an impressive 64 to take the lead in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic after day one.
The South African even offered himself the luxury of a final birdie at 18 to steal the head from the American Kurt Kitayama (65). Sergio Garcia and Justin Harding point a shot further at -6. The Spaniard pocketed the Desert Classic in 2017 before grabbing his first Major Masters title a few months later. And for his return to the Emirates Golf Club course, Garcia offered himself a 66 free of any error. All while putting your eyes closed!
Paul Casey went off with a bang with four birdies on his first four holes. But the Englishman in the arms of Popeye had to be content with a 67 (-5) for 5th place alongside Thomas Detry, Robert MacIntyre and Adrian Otaegui.
Langasque, patience rewarded
The best Blue of this first round is Romain Langasque: 68 (-4) without any burrs, enough to place him in 9th place in good company (Kaymer, Fleetwood …). It was Romain’s precision on his attacks on the greens that made the difference this Thursday. With 88.9% of greens found in regulation, the Frenchman was able to foresee a number of birdie opportunities.
« I really played solid today, said Romain at the microphone of the European Tour. I took advantage of the less windy conditions in the morning. I touched a lot of greens and therefore offered myself a lot of birdie positions. But on these greens which were initially delicate to read and rather irregular this year, we had to remain patient. It was the key to my first tour.
You have to go down to 20th row to find Alexander Levy. The five-time winner on the tour signed three birdies on the last nine holes to post 70 (-2). Identical score for Antoine Rozner who posted three birdies without any burrs on the outward journey before conceding two bogeys on the return.
Then follow Victor Dubuisson, Victor Perez, Julien Guerrier and Benjamin Hébert (55th, par).
Matthieu Pavon plays above par (105th, +3), like Mike Lorenzo Vera (127th, +6) and Raphaël Jacquelin, who entered the tournament field at the very last minute (129th, +7).
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