Report by Anand Datla
October 10, 2014: Striking like a thunder from the blue, Nicolas Colsaerts threatened to shoot the first ever 59 in the 42 year history of the European Open. After an elegant eagle at the 17th hole, the 31 year old needed a birdie at the final hole to crunch a 59 on the par-71 course in Vilamoura. The 2012 Ryder Cup winner nearly nailed the putt too, watching in agony as the ball kissed the lip only to stay out of the cup. It wasn’t to be a 59, but his 11-under 60 marked the 19th such score on the European Tour. Colsaerts’s effort meant that Scott Jamieson and Alexander Levy were stranded three off the pace, despite making a fine 63 on the opening day at the Portugal Masters.
On a low scoring day, there was also a hole-in-one by José María Olazábal, at the par-3 13th hole. As reported earlier, Shiv Kapur is facing a missed cut after a 76 on Thursday. Jeev Milkha Singh too is in trouble, after a 72 in the first round.
Belgian Bomber unleashes a savage attack at the Oceånico Victoria Golf Club
Colsaerts wouldn’t be your usual suspect for a scorcher to get off the blocks at the Portugal Masters. The Belgian has barely managed to hold ground this year – missing the cut at half of his 14 starts on the European Tour. But like a phoenix rising from the sands, the inspired Belgian shot four birdies on the front nine as he made the turn in 31 shots.
He kept raging though and a hat-trick of birdies immediately on the back nine, sent the grounds into a buzz, as anticipation mounted about a low round. Colsaerts needed five shots in six holes to wrap himself in the mythical magic of a 59. The Belgian got it going with an eagle two at the 15th before adding another at the 17th hole. A birdie was needed on the final hole to script history, but he missed by an agonising millimeter or so to settle for a 60.
Milkha Singh made three birdies in the first round, but his effort was dampened by a double bogey seven at the 12th hole and two other bogeys forcing the Indian to sign on a 72. Interestingly enough, the hole-in-one hero of the day, Olazabal was keeping the Indian company at T91. Rain had forced suspension of play, leaving several golfers an onerous task on Friday.
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- Pros
- Nicolas Colsaerts
- portugal masters
