SIMON LILLY broke the course record on his way to establishing a one-shot lead after the first day’s play at the Golf Weekly International Open at Heydon Grange.
Lilly, from Wellingborough, shot four birdies on the front nine and then repeated the score on his way in to end up on an eight-under-par 64.
David Clark (Morpeth) saw his round of 65 only blighted by two bogeys to share second place with Robert Wragg of Renishaw Park.
Four players are a further shot behind including Chris Sands who had a stroke of fortune at the first hole when he chipped in for an eagle – after having to send his caddy back to his car for his forgotten putter!
As well as the total prize money of £40,000 with £10,000 to the winner, a number of extra prizes are also on offer with Coors Brewery donating six crates of beer to the player ‘nearest the pin’ on the last hole and Santa Maria Golf Suites offering a week’s holiday for two on the Costa Del Sol for the player with the lowest round of the tournament.
Finally, Coors Brewery have also donated a digital camera to the player who cards the most birdies and eagles over the three days play.
1 64 (-8) Simon Lilly Wellingborough
2= 65 (-7) David Clark Morpeth
Robert Wragg Renishaw Park
4= 66 (-6) Denny Lucas Worksop
Greg Hyde Bondhay
Chris Sands Surrenda-Link
7= 67 (-5) Darryl Ley Unattached
David Walley Wolstanton
Michael Welch Hawkstone Park
Barry Hume Haggs Castle
Michiel Bothma Woodhill Pretoria