Portugal Masters: After shooting an eagle and seven birdies in a bogey-free 62 on the opening day of the Portugal Masters, Jordan Smith of England took a one-shot lead.
On Thursday, the 29-year-old put on a strong showing on the greens, making many lengthy birdie putts and holeing out from 30 feet at the par-five fifth for his eagle.
Smith took the overall lead on nine under par following a 26-foot birdie at the eighth hole, which was also his penultimate round of the day. At the top, he passed Joost Luiten and Jeff Winther.
Robin Roussel, Gavin Green, and Joakim Lagergren are one stroke behind Luiten and Winther in a tie for second after shooting 63s with eight birdies apiece and no bogeys.
Starting from the 10th tee, Smith recorded four birdies on his front nine before sandwiching a long-range eagle at the fifth between birdies on four and six and adding another shot at the par-three eighth to take a one-shot lead.
Anything like that, you’re thrilled about, he added. I’m very pleased with how I played.
“I went on a stag do at the weekend and got the illness, so I’ve been feeling under the weather all week.
“I haven’t been feeling well, they say to watch out for the injured golfer. Considering that my preparation wasn’t the finest, I’m thrilled with it.
“Probably my two best shots were the seven iron on 13 that I hit to two feet and the three wood into the par five that set up the eagle. I made all the necessary moves and sunk numerous putts.”
Ricardo Gouveia, a local favourite, was one of those who gave himself a foundation for a much-needed excellent performance by starting the tournament with a 66 on home turf. This week’s event is the final opportunity for players to gain points to preserve their playing privileges.
For golf tournament, golf championship, golf live score, golf match update, latest golf news, golf live score update and other golf news follow livematchupdatesnews.com.
