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Hassan 2 Golf Trophy
Hassan 2 Golf Trophy
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8 novembre 2008

McGinley (66) sets pace in Hassan II

McGinley produced a bogey-free round to seize the early initiative on the opening day of the Hassan II Golf Trophy by Emaar at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in the Moroccan capital of Rabat on Thursday.

The Irishman fired a sizzling seven-under-par 66 to move one shot ahead of England’s Simon Dyson (67) and two off Sweden’s Johan Edfors and Mark Foster of England, both carding an equally tidy 68, according to a Press release.
Ernie Els, one of the major attractions of the annual tournament, stayed in the mix with a superb four-under-par 69 to share the fifth place with Dubai-based Ross Bain. With just three strokes separating the top six, the tournament script promises to unfold some interesting twists and turns.

The day certainly belonged to McGinley, the man who famously holed the winning putt in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at the Belfry in 2002. The 41-year-old Irishman lit up his round with a stunning eagle on the 440-yard par-5 10th hole besides picking up three shots on the front nine and two on the back nine.

The biggest cheers of the day, however, were reserved for the ‘Big Easy.’ The seasoned South African was off the blocks with a birdie and dropped just one shot — on the par-3 ninth — en route to a fine round.

Ross Bain matched Els’ 69, thanks to an eagle on the par-5, 18th. Bain, who learned the basic rudiments of the game while growing up in Dubai, looked well on top his game. A bogey on the par-3 second being the only blemish on his card on Thursday.

Among the notables, Thomas Bjorn of Denmark carded a level-par 73 while Mark O’Meara signed off for a 71.

Meanwhile, Laura Davies made an impressive debut in the Lalla Meryem Cup, being played alongside the Hassan II Golf Trophy by Emaar. The veteran English star shot a superb six under under 67 to take a one-stroke lead.

Tania Elosegui and Maria Verchenova were tied second on 68, one shot ahead of the chasing pack which included the French duo of Patricia Heunier-Lebouc and defending champion Gwladys Nocera of France.

Davies, starting with a bogey on the first, fired eight birdies in her round, something which clearly shows the English veteran is in top form.

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