Five-birdie start for Kingston
James Kingston and Martin Erlandsson won’t forget today’s start of the new European Tour season in a hurry.
South African James Kingston and Swede Martin Erlandsson won’t forget today’s start of the new European Tour season in a hurry.
But for very different reasons.
Kingston, back on home soil, birdied the first five holes of the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek, but Erlandsson went to the turn in a shocking nine over par 46.
That included triple bogeys on both the 413-yard 14th and 541-yard 18th, the hole where Ernie Els threw away the title two years ago when he also took eight when leading by two.
Els, making his first return since that day, was among the later starters and Kingston was determined to give the ‘Big Easy’ something to think about.
Winner of the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Germany in September and a former South African Open champion, the 44-year-old’s flying start took him into an early one-stroke lead over compatriots Thomas Aiken and Tjaart Van der Walt, Spaniard Pablo Martin and France’s Gregory Bourdy.
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy taking inspiration from Tiger Woods ahead of Abu Dhabi Championship
The 32-year-old’s form since the Ryder Cup has given him “renewed optimism, excitement and anticipation”.
-
European TourCollin Morikawa using Bahamas setback as motivation to become world number one
The two-time major winner squandered a five-shot lead on the final day at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas last month.
-
NewsBryson DeChambeau: I don’t want to be a super-controversial figure
The big-hitting American was given some useful advice by Hollywood star Chris Pratt.
-
PGA TourWebb Simpson eyeing Ryder Cup return after winless 2021
The American tees it up this week at the Sony Open, an event where he has a fine record.
-
PGA TourCameron Smith secures record-breaking wire-to-wire victory in Hawaii
The Australian made history at Kapalua with his winning total.
-
PGA TourViktor Hovland happy to be reunited with lost golf clubs in Hawaii
Viktor Hovland was able to breathe a sigh of relief after being reunited with his golf clubs six days after losing them in transit.
-
PGA TourPhil Mickelson confirmed for Tournament of Champions after 21-year absence
Phil Mickelson has confirmed his participation in next month’s Sentry Tournament of Champions on the PGA Tour.
-
NewsTiger Woods ‘worn out’ after second-placed finish with son at PNC Championship
Team Woods finished two shots behind John Daly and his son John Daly II in Orlando.
-
NewsTiger Woods and son Charlie three shots back at PNC Championship in Orlando
The 15-time major winner was back in action after injury
-
Matt CooperTiger’s back: All the best social as Tiger Woods returns to the golf course
The 15-time Major Champion played his first round of golf in public since his car accident in February.