DP World Tour : Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship Leaderboard
Brandon Robinson Thompson carded a course-record 61 to hold an early three-shot lead as he threatened adding his name to the DP World Tour history books in the first round of the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship.
Since the formation of the DP World Tour in 1972, only Oliver Fisher has carded a 59 but fellow Englishman Robinson Thompson had that in his sights when he recorded eight birdies and two eagles through his opening 17 holes.
However, the Hotel Planner Tour graduate finished with his only bogey of the day after going long with his approach from a fairway bunker to end the opening day at -11 under - with countryman Callum Tarren his nearest pursuer.
Competing in his rookie season on the DP World Tour, Robinson Thompson's total was three shots better than the previous low of 64 posted by France’s Tom Vaillant in last year’s inaugural edition at Royal Golf Club.
“I didn’t really picture it this morning when it was raining and there were forecasts of super strong winds,” he said.
“Very happy to get off to the start I did. Little bit of a sour taste in my mouth I am not going to lie, but I holed my fair share.”
“After about nine holes,” he said with a laugh when asked when he thought about the possibility of a 59.
Robinson Thompson has competed in Major Championships on both sides of the Atlantic in recent years and won his maiden title on the HotelPlanner Tour last season on his way to securing DP World Tour playing privileges.
Despite those highs, the 32-year-old says his career low as a professional is arguably his best achievement.
“Everyone keeps saying it is tough to (follow up a low round) but I am just going to keep doing a lot of the same stuff," he said.
“I have got a new caddie Rich (Richard Hill) the last couple of weeks, and he is great.
“We talk through stuff really well and we’ll be doing a lot of the same stuff, having fun and I am looking forward to it, just as I would any other round.”
EDIT*** Canada's Aaron Cockerill was one of several players who will have to come back early on Thursday to finish having only played the front nine. He went out -2 34 with birdies and a lone bogey.
europeantour.com
Bryan Angus (edit)
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