Forsyth putting keeps Els at bay
BY iseekgolf.com | European PGA Tour | 2003 Dubai Desert Classic | Round One | 07 Mar 2003
Forsyth’s early charge owes a lot to his ability to read greens he describes as “really good”.
Defending champion Ernie Els found his customary residence at the top of the leaderboard put on hold as Scotland’s Alastair Forsyth took the early lead with an opening day 65 (-7) in the &ppound;1.2 million Dubai Desert Classic.
The 27-year-old from Glasgow shot the round of the day while Els, a winner here in 1994 and 2002, had to settle for a 66 (-6) and second place ahead of four players on 67 (-5).
“The difference between the rest of the season and today is that I putted a lot better,” said Forsyth. “I’ve been really struggling on the greens all year but the ones here are perfect. I gave myself a lot of chances all day and took seven of them. The greens are a little softer than normal and playing really good.”
The winner of last year’s Malaysian Open, Forsyth admitted that the ominous presence of world number two Els is not something that is easy to forget. "It would be stupid to say that it doesn’t matter who is behind you," he added.
Easy Does It – Els blasts his way out of trouble in Dubai
“Obviously if Ernie Els is sitting there it’s a different ball game especially with the way he has been playing. But that’s part and parcel of playing on the Tour and playing bigger event means playing bigger names. It’s the same old story – if you want to win, you have to beat everyone.”
His opening 67 might have been enough to lead most events after day one but Els is content with his form in an event that is always a popular one on the tour schedule of the South African superstar.
“You play the best you can and if you’re at the top of the leaderboard then so be it,” said Els, who confirmed that Dubai fans will get to see the head-to-head denied them by Tiger Woods’ 11th hour withdrawal from this year’s DUBAL-sponsored event. "I like coming here as I really enjoy the golf course and the way they set up the tournament and run it. I’ve signed a two-year deal with Dubai to come for this year and 2004."
On a warm day and with a light breeze, Els appeared to be in the mood for a strong charge as he reached the turn in 32 (-5). However, playing the front nine second, Els found the birdies less easy to come by and a solitary birdie on the third (his 12th) and no bogies saw him home in 66.
Just one shot further back from Els are six players on 67 (-5). Finland’s former British Amateur Champion Mikko Ilonen, Sven Struver of Germany, Holland’s Robert-Jan Derksen, England’s Nick Dougherty and Greg Owen, and Welshman Jamie Donaldson all hold third and go into tomorrow’s (March 7) second round hoping for similar conditions.
Other scores include American Mark O’Meara with a 68 (-4), Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland 70 (-2), former champion Thomas Bjorn 69 (-3), Ian Woosnam 69 (-3), Arjun Atwal 73 ( 1) and Jyoti Randhawa 70 (-2).
Peter Fowler and Richard Green are the leading Australians in equal 67th place at Even Par. Jarrod Moseley is two shots back in 107th at 2 with Terry Price at 3 and 125th.
Source – Dubai Desert Classic
