GOLF EUROPEAN TOUR:SOUTH AFRICAN James Kingston capitalised on the best of the conditions to take the first round lead at the European Tour's event in Majorca yesterday.
Out on the Pula course early before the wind really picked up, the 44-year-old returned a five-under-par 65 at the Iberdrola Open Cala Millor Mallorca.
Kingston ended the day two in front of Spaniard Alvaro Velasco, with Ireland’s Gary Murphy, Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin, Spain’s Alejandro Canizares and Norwegian Thorbjorn Olesen one further back.
The two-time Tour winner said: “I didn’t have a nice day out there yesterday and it’s not one of my favourites, but I was hitting it so well that it was actually an easy round of 65. It’s tricky even without a wind, but when you play nicely you can see the scores.”
Kingston, who birdied three of his last six holes as things became more blustery, is only recently back from a seven-week break during which he visited Zambia and Mozambique with friends and family.
Velasco lost his Tour card last season and did not even make the 72-hole cut at the qualifying school in November. His ranking on the Spanish order of merit earned him his place in the tournament and he came home in 32 with birdies at the first, fourth and sixth.
Murphy was another back at the school and, although the 37-year-old from Kilkenny made it through, he has since managed to survive only two cuts in 10 starts.
“I’ve been struggling with the groove change,” he said. “I’m on my fifth set of irons, but have finally got some I feel are doing what they should do.”
He was four under after seven, gave all the shots back, but then birdied the seventh and eighth to climb back into a tie for third.
The rest of the Irish contingent struggled as the wind picked up for the later starters. Glasson’s Colm Moriarty had a promising start as he birdied the third but three bogeys and a double-bogey at the 14th saw him sign for a four-over 74, the same score posted by Damien McGrane.
Paul McGinley was a shot further back after a round that included three birdies, six bogeys and a double at the 14th also.
Simon Thornton was five over through his first nine holes before withdrawing from the tournament.
Meanwhile, Jose Maria Olazabal still has his doubts about being part of Colin Montgomerie’s backroom team at October’s Ryder Cup.
Olazabal served as assistant to Nick Faldo two years ago and is a clear favourite to be in charge for the 2012 match in America.
Montgomerie has delayed naming his helpers just in case any of them look like making the side, but had ear-marked Olazabal along with Paul McGinley and Thomas Bjorn.
The Spaniard has been out of action since October because of continuing problems with rheumatism.
“As for being vice-captain, I haven’t talked to Colin after he was named captain,” said the 44-year-old, who over a year ago first revealed he had misgivings about doing it for a second time.
“I already had that post. It’s a useful job, but it’s more or less no man’s land and not very satisfying as you neither make decisions nor play. You spend your time listening to people.
“Being captain would be quite another thing. It’s a very special event and a huge honour, but I would only accept under certain circumstances.”
