Record breaker Robinson clear at Frilford Heath

James Robinson carded a course record nine-under-par 63 in the opening round of the Buildbase Open to take a two-stroke lead in the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour event at Frilford Heath.

Ross Kellett and Charlie Lidyard share second on seven-under, while Peter Tarver-Jones, Mark Laskey and James Watts are tied for fourth on five-under, four behind the leader.

Robinson began his round on the tenth tee and made five birdies on his first seven holes while also carding below par on the third, fifth, eighth and ninth holes to finish an unblemished opening round nine-under, a professional record on Frilford Heath’s Blue Course.

Scotland’s Kellett (Kingsfield Golf Centre) had an eagle at the eighth to help him on his way to a seven-under 65, which saw six birdies and a bogey. Lidyard carded eight birdies and a bogey on the 16^th, having started at ten, was the only mark on his card.

Last year’s Buildbase Open winner Harry Bateman (Royal Wellington Golf Club) is seven back on two-under. The New Zealander carded six birdies on his opening round but also made two bogeys and a double bogey on the par-three fifth.

The Buildbase Open carries a £40,000 prize fund with the winner receiving £10,000, which is crucial money to add to the Order of Merit from which the top five at the end of the season are rewarded with Challenge Tour categories for 2015.

The 54-hole strokeplay sees 168 of Europe’s best young golfers competing, with a cut to the top 50 players and ties to be made after the second round on Thursday (June 26).

The final round will be filmed for a two-hour highlights package to be broadcast on Sky Sports on July 8 and spectator entry is free throughout the week. Live scoring and tee times can be found at www.europrotour.com.