Oliver Fisher creates history in Portugal
Englishman Oliver Fisher fired the first 59 in European Tour history for a share of the lead with countryman Eddie Pepperell and Australian Lucas Herbert at the Portugal Masters on Friday.
After 46 years, the 30-year-old Fisher became the first person to breach the 60 barrier on the European Tour at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, making ten birdies and an eagle in his 12-under-par round of 59 to go with his opening round 71.
History boy.#PortugalMasters pic.twitter.com/3agxDTA5fA
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 22, 2018
On the final hole, Fisher came close to bettering his score when he grazed the edge on the last when putting for a 58.
Fisher’s second round consisted of birdies on the opening three holes, an eagle on the fifth, and more birdies on the sixth, eighth, tenth, 11th, 12th, 15th, 17th and then a routine par on the last to make history.
Herbert fired a 67 with Pepperell nailing a 66 for a share of the 12 under lead.
Good night from Vilamoura.#PortugalMasters pic.twitter.com/m9N5lXNp1T
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) September 21, 2018
After his record round, Fisher said it was an amazing feeling to be Mr 59.
“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “It feels great to make history here in Portugal. It’s a great tournament and it’s great for the European Tour and obviously myself to shoot 59.
“I was chuffed with the day. When I went out I was at level par and trying to make the cut and then shooting that, it was just a great day all round. It was fun, I tried to enjoy it and thankfully I got over the line.”
A shot off the lead at 11 under was Englishman Matt Wallace after a 67, one clear of China’s Li Haotong, Italian Renato Paratore and Frenchman Adrien Saddier.
Next at nine under are – Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia (66), Swede Marcus Kinhult (65), Irishman Shane Lowry (69) and Australian Jason Scrivener (67).
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