Matthew Jordan leads the British Masters by two shots after he fired a first-round course-record nine-under-par 63 at Southport.
The 23-year-old Englishman, who only turned professional last September and is featuring in just his 12th event, was in a four-way tie for the lead at the turn after hitting five birdies on the front nine.
However, Jordan moved ahead of the pack as he picked up further shots at the 10th, 11th, 13th and 15th to leave the locals delighted. Jordan, who hails from nearby Hoylake, told the the European Tour website: “I just tried to shoot as low as I could because I thought the guys out there, they are good as well. “I actually managed to shoot ten under on the Challenge Tour a couple of weeks ago.
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There I got the feeling how to shoot low. I had shot low previous to this but, on this stage, to go and do it and on this kind of course is impressive, to me, anyway. “For me it’s just experiencing it, learning, seeing the types of courses that they play.
I think just being involved in these kind of events just improves you because you’ve got to go out there and do it.
You know those guys are here, so why can’t you? “I got an invitation which I’m very thankful for, just to have the opportunity. I’m quite close to home, I’m staying at home, so I’ve been able to rest quite well.” Fellow Englishman Matt Wallace is just two shots behind Jordan, alongside Swede Marcus Kinhult, while his compatriot Robert Karlsson, England’s Lee Westwood, Belgian Thomas Detry and Scot Richie Ramsay are locked together another shot further back on six-under. Tournament host Tommy Fleetwood is is tied with 10 other players in joint-10th place.
