The Western Australian Golf Club’s Haydn Barron is in touch with the leaders after the opening round of the European Amateur at the Royal Hague Golf & Country Club on Wednesday.
The tournament is one of the most prestigious on the World Amateur calendar, with the winner securing a start at the Open Championship in three weeks.
Barron, 22, sits in a tie for 16th after a one-under-par 71 to open his Championship, with Swiss leader Perry Cohen firing a five-under 67.
The WA Men’s State Captain had an incredibly mixed day on course, shooting five birdies and four bogeys during his round of 71.
A birdie on the first set his 18 alight, before bogeys on four and six put a halt to his momentum.
Birdies on 8, 10 and 15 left the leading West Aussie in a strong position heading into the second day.
Ben Ferguson is the next best Western Australian at two-over par after a double bogey on 15 ruined his opening day.
However, the Vines youngster is still a strong chance to make the cut with a solid second round tomorrow.
Kiran Day struggled throughout his round to record a six-over-par 78 and sit in 121st position.
Haydn after the opening round:
The course is similar to Woodhall Spa from the English Amateur last year- extremely hilly however the Par 5s are really gettable
“Greens are pretty tricky with a number of different slopes and quite large.”
“I am feeling good, did well at St Andews and then not so well last week. Having the cut the way it was at the Amateur – you feel you can’t really afford to make a mistake.”
“Looking forward to finishing this tournament positively.”
