Dubai resident Paul Waring posted a red-hot five under par back nine to grasp a share of the British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo lead alongside Frenchman Jeong weon Ko.
The Englishman, who represents Jumeirah Golf Estates, mixed a birdie with a bogey on the front nine but came alive after the turn, starting with four birdies in a row, to post a round of 67 and share a one-stroke advantage from South African Thriston Lawrence and Spain’s Jorge Campillo.
Waring, the 2018 Nordea Masters winner, highlighted the par four eighth hole as a turning point after finding the tight fairway at The Belfry before wedging it close and holing the putt for his first birdie of the day, which proved the catalyst for a fruitful day in England.
"Front nine was a bit hit and miss in all honesty. Didn’t get off to a great start, bogeying the par five,” he said.
"If you get it in play, you can score up to a point. If you miss the fairways, the rough is super thick. If you get on the back foot, it’s easy to get stuck on the back foot.
"This event is always a great turnout. I do love playing in front of the home fans, they’re very knowledgeable. I love playing all over the world, it’s just nice to come home and see my mum and dad, my wife, they’re all here.
“I’ve had Alex, one of my best friends on the bag for years, and we’re going to have a few people come and watch over the weekend as well."
The 39-year-old matched the target set by Frenchman Ko, who similarly posted a level par front nine before attacking the back.
The 2022 Challenge Tour graduate carded birdies at the 12th and 13th before reeling off a trio from the 15th to take a share of the 18-hole lead for the second time in his DP World Tour career and season, having sat among a leading quintet at the ISPS HANDA – Championship in April.
Lawrence, who last week won the SunBet Challenge on the Sunshine Tour, and Campillo, who share third place on four under, sit one stroke clear of a group of 12 players in a share of fifth, including English quartet Laurie Canter, Tyrrell Hatton, Jordan Smith and Andrew Wilson.
Another Englishman, Todd Clements, celebrated his 28th birthday by recording the first hole-in-one of the week at the par three seventh. The effort by last year’s D+D REAL Czech Masters winner was one of 12 eagles recorded on day one, each worth £500 for Guide Dogs.
The current total raised following Wednesday’s Celebrity Pro-Am and Thursday’s first round stands at £14,000, with 16 players having driven the tenth green, in addition to the 12 eagles.
