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Duo equal course record as Langer Jr struggles

23/08/2007

Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Gonnet and Japan's Taichi Teshima hit a course record-equalling six-under-par 64 to share the lead after the first round of the Dutch Open at the Kennemer golf club today.

Gonnet was well placed to break the record after making seven birdies in his round, but a bogey at the par-five seventh cost him in the end.

Former US Open champion Michael Campbell is one of seven players on five under par, while defending champion Simon Dyson is in contention after carding a 67.

The story of the day, however, was that of 17-year-old Stephan Langer – son of legendary German star Berhnard.

While his 49-year-old dad finished on a solid round of 67, Stephan had a complete nightmare on his European Tour debut, struggling to a 28-over-par round of 98 – the second worst round in European Tour history.

Although he hit two triple bogeys and four double bogeys, Stephan said he was still looking forward to tomorrow.

"Tomorrow's going to be a challenge so I'm going to go away and work on some things," said Stephan.

"My chipping and putting was not bad but I've got to improve my driving. I hit only one fairway. This is a most punishing course if you don't drive well.

"I lost a couple of balls and the ones I found, some of them were unplayable, but I have not been confident with my swing for a couple of months.

"But I got an invitation to play and I thought it would be better than walking outside the ropes."