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Warren leads Johnnie Walker Championship

30/08/2007

Scotland's Marc Warren carded an eight-under-par 65 in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles today and will take a one-shot lead into the second round.

Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts finished the first round in second position after hitting a round of 66, which included three birdies and two eagles.

Defending champion Paul Casey finished a disappointing round on two under par with a 71, while Darren Clarke was on level par and Lee Westwood on one over.

Warren, who was last season's rookie of the year, has had a disappointing season so far and failed to make the cut in 14 of the 21 tournaments he has played.

"Last year I won, played in the World Cup and finished fifth at the Champions Tournament [in Shanghai]," said Warren.

"I wanted to kick on from that but it has just not happened."

The 26-year-old paid tribute to the role his coach Bob Torrance has played in his upturn in fortunes.

"I think it's sometimes easy to forget that Bob is in your corner," said Warren.

"A lot of times players want to take it out on him purely because he is there. The caddie gets it on the course and he gets it on the range.

"On Tuesday we were working away and it wasn't really the way I wanted it to be. I spoke to Bob later that night and we both agreed I was just frustrated the way I had been playing and it came to a head.

"Everything is fine now. He has an obscene talent for watching the golf swing. But he is human and everybody misses things," added Warren.