Scotland’s Ross Drummond took a one shot lead at the inaugural Willow Senior Golf Classic with a six under par first round at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club.
The 59 year old shot seven birdies and just one bogey as he carded a 66 for his best round of the 2016 season so far.
The Scotsman is searching for a maiden win on the European Senior Tour, after finishing runner-up on six occasions on the over-50s circuit.
“I took my chances and putted well,” said Drummond, who finished his round with birdies on the 15th, 17th and 18th holes. “It’s always good to get a few towards the end of a round.
“I had some chances on the first few holes on the back nine, but nothing was really dropping. I holed a good putt on the 15th, a 25-footer, and that got me to four under par.
“I got to the 17th green in two, for two putts, and I left myself with a two-footer on the 18th. It was a nice finish and I’m very happy with 66.”
Drummond partnered the 1991 Masters winner Ian Woosnam, and two-time Senior Major Champion Roger Chapman on the Hertfordshire course.
“It was nice to have that draw,” added Drummond. “I had to look twice at the starting sheet when I saw who I was playing with. They are good players, very solid, and I’ve got no complaints with anything today.”
Just one shot behind Drummond on five under par are the quartet of Gordon Brand Jnr, James Kingston, Gordon Manson and Gary Marks after shooting rounds of 67.
Manson, winner of the Acorn Jersey Open earlier this year, was pleased with his steady approach to today’s first round.
“I played a lot better today than I did last week at Archerfield,” he said. “I was solid on the green, my putting stroke was great, and I’m striking the ball much better.
“I birdied the first, but dropped a shot on four. But then I had a good spell around 9, 10 and 11. I birdied 17, and couldn’t quite birdie the last, but was pleased with the way I played. I had a couple of good bunker shots today which helped me make some birdies.”
One shot further back on four under par are six golfers, including Australian Mike Harwood, who finished fourth at last week’s Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open, and 2016 WINSTONgolf Senior Open winner Andrew Oldcorn.
“I’ve been playing and putting well, I’ve been steady all season,” he said. “I’ve only really had two poor rounds this year. I’m feeling strong and I’m building up nicely.”
