Paul McGinley hit an inspired six-under-par 67 to take the first-round lead in the Moroccan Open in Rabat today. McGinley holds a one shot lead over the chasing pack following an impressive round which began with an eagle on his opening hole. McGinley added five birdies and just one bogey to take the early initiative ahead of England's Neil Cheetham, Swede Michael Jonzon and America's Craig Hainline, who are all a stroke back on five under.
McGinley currently lies in 14th position in the qualifying stakes for a Ryder Cup spot, and will be hoping for a continued run of form to secure one of the prized spot on the 12-man team. A repeat of his form of last year, with eight top-10 finishes, could well get him close to an automatic spot in Sam Torrance's European team to face the United States at The Belfry in September.
The 34-year-old has one eye on the standings, but admits he still has a lot to do if he is to be a part of Torrence’s plans. He insisted: “Being realistic about it I've probably only got one quarter of the money I need (266,000 euros). It's way too early to start talking about it. I'm going to have to at least quadruple what I've earned till now. It's in the back of my mind but the Ryder Cup's in September and I'm going to have to have a very big summer. It's going to take a huge amount of money to make the team this year. One thing is certain, whoever finishes 11th is not going to get the pick. Bottom line is you have to be in the top 10.
Of his round today McGinley added: “I hit a five wood to about 20 feet on my first hole; it was a beautiful shot and a great way to start. I can't remember starting a round with an eagle. I hit a lot of greens and fairways and it was basically a good round of golf, 67 is a great score round this course. I hit every club in the bag from driver through to putter and that's the sign of a good golf course.”
Defending champion Jamie Spence could only manage a three-over-par 76, Justin Rose went one better with a 75 while last year's runner-up Ian Poulter carded a 71. Meanwhile, Paddy Gribben is 1-under-par after carding a steady 72, while Gary Murphy fared slightly worse with a 75 to leave him on 2-over-par.
Padraig Harrington is currently three shots behind leader Doug Dunakey after day one of the Worldcom Classic in South Carolina. The Dubliner is on three-under-par.
Filed by Shane Murray
