Young two clear with unblemished 63

Mark Young carded an outstanding nine-under-par 63 to lead the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour’s Paul Lawrie Foundation Granite City Classic by two strokes after the first day’s play at Newmachar Golf Club in Aberdeen.

Young, in his first year as a professional, failed to win a full EuroPro Tour card at Qualifying School but is aiming to take full advantage of a rare start to improve his chances of playing further events this season.

He leads by two from three golfers – Michael Stewart, Simon Ward and Paul Howard – who carded seven-under-par 65s. The Hawkshill Course is in great condition and coupled with fair weather made for a good day of scoring.

Young, the 33-year-old Clitheroe representative, started his first round at the tenth with a trio of birdies and was six under by the turn with further birdies at 15, 16 and 17. He broke par again at the third and concluded his round with birdies at seven and eight to sign for a nine-under-par 63.

“I got off to a good start, which helps,” he said. “I gave myself chances and the greens are that good that if you get the line right it will go in. I took it a shot at a time. They aren’t massive greens here so if you are on the green you’ve got a chance.

“I have been working hard on my wedge play recently and this is one of those places where if you get it in play, you are hitting wedges in. That is perfect for me.

“It has been a hit and miss season. I missed out at Qualifying but got in last minute at Longhirst Hall and did okay there.”

Stewart (Troon Welbeck) had the best score of the morning starters and went out in 31 on his way to 65. Opening birdies were the perfect start and he broke par again at five, seven and eight. Threes at 11 and 14, both par fours, on the back nine took him seven below the card.

Irishman Ward was also unblemished in his opening 18 including a hat-trick of consecutive birdies around the turn.

Warren Harmston (Wentworth Golf Club) is fifth on six-under-par with five players sharing sixth on five under.

The Paul Lawrie Foundation Granite City Classic carries a purse of £50,000 and is played over 54 holes with a cut to the leading 50 players and ties taking place after round two. Friday’s final day of play will be filmed for a two-hour highlights package to be broadcast on Sky Sports on Tuesday, July 7. Live scoring is available at www.europrotour.com.