Ireland’s Peter Lawrie moved three strokes clear of the field after Thursday’s opening round of the Hassan II Trophy event in Agadir after carding an eight--under-par 64 at the Golf Du Palais Royal.
Lawrie, who came up with two eagles and five birdies on the par-72 Golf du Palais Royal course, was clear of defending champion Rhys Davies of Wales, John Bickerton of England and also India’s Shiv Kapur, tied for second place after going round in 67.
Bickerton, meanwhile, produced a five-under 66 at the Golf de l’Ocean course with the field split across the two courses for the opening two rounds, a stroke better than David Horsey and South African George Coetzee as well as Oscar Floren and Lloyd Saltman.
Lawrie, seeking to add to a European Tour win came in Spain three years ago, was delighted with his stylish start.
“I got off to a great start with an eagle at the 10th hole,” he said. “After that I played lovely, gave myself lots of chances and made one stupid bogey.”
“I think we got very lucky with the draw to be honest. The wind calmed down on the back nine, and the front nine — the windier nine — was when the wind was dying down a bit,” Lawrie added.
Bickerton produced six birdies as he managed to stay in contention despite high temperatures and tricky winds.
“It was a very tough day in that respect,” he said, “especially when you look at the length of the rounds we were playing.”
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