European Tour Member Gary Evans, the man who missed out on a play-off for the 131st Open Golf Championship at Muirfield in 2002 by a shot, made a spectacular start to the 133rd Open Golf Championship at Royal Troon, firing an albatross two at the 560 yard fourth on his way to a three under par 68.
The 35 year old Englishman, out in the first group of the day at 6.30am, posted the early clubhouse mark after being assisted by the remarkable events at the fourth hole, propelling the ball into the hole with a five iron from all of 227 yards, for the fourth albatross of The 2004 European Tour season.
“My partners both took three wood from the tee but I took driver to get past the bunkers,” said Evans. “I then hit a pretty decent five iron which was bounding nicely up to the green, I turned to put my club back in my bag and then heard an almighty cheer from the greenside and looked up and everybody had their arms in the air.
“I am feeling comfortable here though, I have a good support team around me and the R&A have done a good job with the course. It has set up well although you are going to drop shots because it is a tough course. But I am more than happy with that start.”
Other European Tour Members to get under par early in the day were The Daily Telegraph Damovo British Masters champion Barry Lane, who posted a two under par 69, while 1985 Open Champion Sandy Lyle, opened with a 70.
