Andrew Marshall on Wednesday shot a flawless four-under 68 to surge ahead as MENA Golf Tour graduates from the qualifying school made their presence felt on the opening day of the Royal Golf Mohammedia Open by HLO.
England’s Marshall picked up one shot on the front nine and three on the back to seize a one-shot lead over a seven-man group which consisted of Peter Gustafsson and Jean-Luc Burnier, who both earned their full playing privileges on the tour through the qualifying school held in Sotogrande in Spain last month.
Also taking a share of the second was the England’s Zane Scotland, a nine-time winner on the tour, and Morocco’s Amine Joudar on a day when intermittent rains and heavy winds made things difficult for players.
England’s Joe Heraty and Ryan Smith of Australia were tied for ninth a further shot adrift at two- under 70 as 16 players broke par on day one of the season-opening event.
“I played really well and could have done even better, but just could not take advantage of par-5s, which was a shame,” said Marshall, a former member of the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, who finished in a tie for third at the inaugural MENA Golf Tour Qualifying School.
“The course is in great condition and rewards you for good shots,” he added.
Elsewhere, England’s James Allan, playing in his very first round as a professional, shot a one-under 71 while defending champion Paul Doherty of Scotland settled for level par 72, one shot ahead of England’s Miles Tunnicliff, a two-time winner on the European Tour.
