FIRST ROUND OF THE HASSAN II GOLF TROPHY

Ernie Els, Paul McGinley, Simon Dyson and Johan Edfors have made their mark during the first day of the 36th edition of the Hassan II Golf Trophy by Emaar. With a score of 66 (-7), five birdies and an eagle, Paul McGinley produced an almost perfect game during the first day of competition. If he manages to keep the same level, the 41-year-old Irish player could win this year’s trophy.

The competition will nevertheless be tough because of the presence of Ernie Els, the star of the tournament. He played an excellent first round and recorded a score of 69 (-4), which placed him in a very interesting place as a winner contender. At the 5th hole, Johan Edford, one of the safe values of the European tour, who ranked 4th twice at the trophy, was disappointed to miss a 60 cm putt for par. At the 12th hole, he was 6 under (he started from hole 8).

On the amateurs’ side, Mehdi Saissi (Moroccan champion of the young players), Ali Berrada and Mohamed Boutaleb (the two Junior players have been given the wild card by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid) have shared intense moments during the Pro-Am by playing the first round with British player Robert Coles.

On the ladies’ side, and far from the competition field, the lovely Patricia Meunier-Lebouc, winner of the Nabisco Championship in 2003, who has played at the trophy for 15 years, was extremely happy to wear a traditional Moroccan caftan. “It is a way to give back the great reception I have received here during all those years,” she said.

Today again, the pros will be associated with amateurs in the Pro-Am. But tomorrow only the 24 professional players will dispute the last two rounds.

Ladies final: Saturday November 8, 2008, blue course

Men final: Sunday November 9, 2008, red course