Despite not feeling well, Jordan Smith shot a 9-under 62 Thursday to take a one-shot lead at the Portugal Masters.
The Englishman made seven birdies and a 30-foot eagle in a bogey-free round on a low-scoring opening day at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course.
“I’m really happy with the way I played,” Smith said. “I’ve been under the weather all week, not feeling my best. They say beware the injured golfer. I’m over the moon considering my preparation wasn’t great.”
Smith is yet to win this season but has two second place finishes.
“[A win] Smith, 29, is the only thing missing this year. “I’ve been close a couple of times. All in all, it’s been a great year and I’m over the moon right now. Just to finish with a win is amazing.”
Jost Luiten and Jeff Winter each shot 63 and are tied for second place. Both made eight birdies and were bogey free.
Robin Roussel, Gavin Green and Joachim Lagergren finished fourth in another shot.
The Portugal Masters will give players the last chance to earn points to keep their card for 2023.
Robert McIntyre, who had the field’s top score of 67, opened with a 68 and was tied for 45th. Victor Perez, the only player in the top 100 at No. 93, scored the same as MacIntyre.
Despite not feeling well, Jordan Smith shot a 9-under 62 Thursday to take a one-shot lead at the Portugal Masters.
The Englishman made seven birdies and a 30-foot eagle in a bogey-free round on a low-scoring opening day at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course.
“I’m really happy with the way I played,” Smith said. “I’ve been under the weather all week, not feeling my best. They say beware the injured golfer. I’m over the moon considering my preparation wasn’t great.”
Smith is yet to win this season but has two second place finishes.
“[A win] Smith, 29, is the only thing missing this year. “I’ve been close a couple of times. All in all, it’s been a great year and I’m over the moon right now. Just to finish with a win is amazing.”
Jost Luiten and Jeff Winter each shot 63 and are tied for second place. Both made eight birdies and were bogey free.
Robin Roussel, Gavin Green and Joachim Lagergren were the other shot.
The Portugal Masters will give players the last chance to earn points to keep their card for 2023.
Robert McIntyre, who had the field’s top score of 67, opened with a 68 and was tied for 45th. Victor Perez, the only player in the top 100 at No. 93, scored the same as MacIntyre.
