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Strange leads Scandinavian Masters

16/08/2007

Australian Scott Strange took a surprise first-day lead at the Scandinavian Masters in Stockholm today after being handed a place in the tournament only 45 minutes before the scheduled tee-off time.

Strange was first reserve for the event, but got his chance to compete when Scotland's David Drysdale withdrew with a neck injury.

The 30-year-old had to borrow Drysdale's caddie and rush onto the first tee because he was in danger of missing his tee-off time. But despite all the problems, Strange hit a superb course-record 64.

An overjoyed Strange was delighted with his performance but admitted his preparation was not the best.

"I'm surprised to shoot that score with everything that was going through my mind but I know I'm capable of doing it. I suppose it might be the way forward, but I don't want to go through all that again," said Strange.

"I was on the bus at 06:45 (local time) when I got a phone call saying I was in. As soon as I heard that we hit a traffic jam and the bus driver wouldn't break the speed limit for me.

"I was thinking on the bus the worst case scenario is that I'll be disqualified, second case scenario is that I get a two-shot penalty for being late but the best-case scenario is making my tee time and that's what happened.

"It's amazing how you can get to the first tee all flustered and play a good round."

Strange is one clear of 21-year-old Swedish amateur Fredrik Qvicker and Britain's Sam Walker. Defending champion Marc Warren of Britain was off the pace, carding a 72.

Home favourite Jesper Parnevik shot a steady 70 and American star John Daly ended the first round on 72.

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