Thomas Bjørn was the best of the European Ryder Cup contingent in Scotland signing for a 66 to earn a share of the lead with Martin Laird of Scotland, Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina and Dutchman Maarten Lafeber – all on six under par - at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The 66 by Laird, back in his homeland from the US PGA Tour, was the low round of the day at Kingsbarns, while Dutchman Lafeber was the only player to record the same score at Carnoustie.
Ryder Cup Vice-Captain Bjørn of Denmark and Argentinian Gonzalez were both at St Andrews, generally considered the easiest of the three courses used for the celebrity pro-am. The Dane started on the back nine with an outward one under 35 but burst to life after the turn and produced six birdies with a single bogey on the way in.
“It was tough starting on the back nine here straight into the wind and so that was just a question of trying to hang in and make pars but I knew that when I turned into the front nine there was going to be a lot of chances,” said the 39 year old. “The pin positions are quite generous as well so I knew there would be chances and I putted well today.”
No fewer than six players share fifth place on five under - Dane Søren Kjeldsen, New Zealander Tim Wilkinson, Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti and the English trio of John Parry, Danny Willett and Kenneth Ferrie.
Shane Lowry was the best of the Irish players after a round of 69 for a three under par score and a share of 25th place.
Celtic Manor hero, Graeme McDowell carded a round of two under par and is joined by Peter Lawrie who also finished with a 70.
Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington and Michael Hoey all finished on 71 shots for a one under score.
Gareth Maybin and Damien McGrane finished with level par.
Simon Thornton eagled holes three and nine but dropped four shots on the back nine to end the day on one over par, along with Gary Murphy.
Paul McGinley was two over for the day.
Darren Clarke signed for a round of 76 to remain 4 over par.
Martin Kaymer was the best of the Ryder Cup team with a 68 with Ross Fisher one shot worse.
Francesco Molinari and Colin Montgomerie signed for 72’s with Edoardo Molinari on 73 and Peter Hanson carding a 74.
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