Fraser, Lundberg share lead at British Masters, Westwood one back
SUTTON COLDFIELD, England - Marcus Fraser and Mikael Lundberg both hit five under par rounds of 67 to lead the Quinn Insurance British Masters at The Belfry.
But defending champion Lee Westwood is just a shot further back after opening with a four under par 68.
Australian Fraser, 115th on the money list and fully aware that only 115 players keep their cards at the end of the season, went to the turn in 31 early in the day.
By holding his position over the back nine the 30 year old, just back from a trip back home to see his pregnant wife Carlie, set a clubhouse target which only Lundberg, the Swede who won Inteco Russian Open Golf Championship for a second time in July, could match during the afternoon.
“I got off to a good start, birdied 2 and 3 and then I hit another birdie at 5 and then birdied 8 and 9, so it was nice to turn in 5 under,” smiled Fraser. “Then just a couple of soft bogeys on 11 and 12, just didn't get up and down.
“I had a great couple of weeks at home, played with the dog, sat on the couch, a few barbecues, a few beers, and got a little bit of practice in there somewhere! It's always nice to go home and weather is pretty good at the moment. It was nice to go home and see my wife as she's six months pregnant, so nice to see her and how she's coming along. It’s all good.”
The Swede had six birdies and only one bogey – on the par three 14th – in an impressive round.
Afterwards Lundberg said: “It was fantastic considering I've been playing horrible for the last month and a half, so I'm very pleased.
“I hit them very straight off the tee. I was never in trouble and then I hit some good iron shots and some putts.”
They are a stroke ahead of not only Westwood, but also fellow Englishman Sam Walker, Dane Anders Hansen, Argentina's Rafa Echenique and Scot Marc Warren.
"I felt a bit jet-lagged over the last four holes and my legs started to go a bit, but everything was pretty good,” said Westwood.
"My fitness has a lot to do with that. There are no negatives to being fitter."
As well as wanting to retain the title Westwood is looking to close the gap on Padraig Harrington at the top of The Order of Merit.
"It was very special to win it (in 2000) and it would be great to do it again."
Echenique had been level par after 14 holes but produced four consecutive birdies in a blistering finish, while by contrast Walker hit four of his five birdies on the front nine.Return to Other Tours archives