Robert Rock took command of the European Challenge Tour’s Ryder Cup Wales Challenge at the De Vere Northop Country Park Golf Club – firing a first round 64 to sit on seven under par and lead by on shot from his fellow Englishmen Gary Clark and Robert Coles.
Rock, 26, had a career best 25 putts during his opening round that included eight birdies and one bogey. That total was good enough to give him the lead over Clark and Coles, with a further eight players on four under after firing 67.
The leader, who finished tied fourth at the Daily Telegraph Damovo British Masters on The European Tour and tied eighth at the dual ranking BMW Russian Open, was delighted to have recorded a career best on the greens.
“I had 25 putts today – that’s my best ever total so I’m happy with it,” said Rock. “I’m pleased with everything really, today’s round has gone some way towards what I’m aiming for this week which is a top ten finish.
“If I can get into the top ten this weekend then I’ll qualify for next week in Majorca and I’ll need a very good finish there to have a chance of making the Challenge Tour Grand Final.
“That’s the plan for the moment anyway. I’m playing quite well just now after spending the last few weeks working on my game so my confidence is certainly there.”
Clark, like Rock, needs a good finish in Wales in order to push himself up the Challenge Tour Rankings in order to reach the Grand Final in Bordeaux. The 32 year old is currently lying 53rd with Challenge Tour earnings of €19,686 – but has to be within to the top 45 players to qualify for the end of season shoot out in France.
He said of his first round 65: “I played very well today – six birdies, no bogeys and quite an enjoyable day all round, especially since I played better when the wind got stronger!”
Robert Coles, meanwhile, continued the form that has forced him into the top 15 and into contention for a place on The European Tour International Schedule 2004 as a Challenge Tour graduate.
Since winning the BA CA Golf Open presented by Telekom Austria at the beginning of September, Coles has finished second (Telia Grand Prix) and tied 15th (Open de Toulouse), accumulating €55,585 to sit in 13th place on the Rankings.
“I did well in spells today,” said Coles after round one in Wales, “but I didn’t drive the ball good at all. I putted nicely and didn’t miss many greens but it would have been a lot easier if I had been playing off the fairways!
“I wouldn’t say my driving is a problem or anything – it’s not that bad, it’s just that I think I lost some of my rhythm on the tee.”
