• Sicilian Open, Round One

Lawrie leads the way after course-record 64 in Sicily

ESPN staff
March 29, 2012
Peter Lawrie broke the course record at the Verdura Golf Resort © Getty Images
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Irishman Peter Lawrie fired nine birdies as he launched a late charge to snatch the lead with a course record on the opening day of the Sicilian Open.

Jamie Donaldson and Soren Kjeldsen looked to be the players to beat after the pair shot opening rounds of 65, but Lawrie grabbed the lead late in the day after his stunning eight-under 64.

Donaldson, who has never won a title on the European Tour in 248 attempts, put himself firmly in contention with a bogey-free round of 65 to sit hot on the heels of Lawrie.

Two birdies on the front nine saw Donaldson reach the turn in 34, but it was on the back nine that his round really got going; an eagle three was swiftly followed by three successive birdies as he moved to seven-under at the Verdura Golf Resort.

Soren Kjeldsen has a share of second after the Dane took the clubhouse lead as he broke the course record with his early round of 65 - but that honour was shortlived as his efforts were surpassed by Lawrie a few hours later.

Scotland's Gary Orr and James Morrison are one stroke further back alongside Sweden's Joakim Lagergren and South African Alex Haindal on six-under par.

Tom Lewis, who claimed his maiden victory at the Portugal Masters in October in only his third professional tournament, is three shots off the pace after his opening-round 68. Lewis started brightly with a birdie at the first, and a single bogey at the 12th was the only blemish on an otherwise impressive scorecard.

Matteo Manassero, who missed out on a place at The Masters after he failed to win at the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco last week, mixed birdies and bogeys in equal measure as he went round in par.

An eagle at the 14th was the highlight of John Daly's round as the American shot a 71, while Pablo Martin bogeyed his first four holes, and things did not get much better for the Spaniard as he eventually signed for a 10-over 82.

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