Wright way ahead after stunning 63

WEST Linton’s Gareth Wright started the new Tartan Tour season with a bang as he spread-eagled the field with a stunning 63 in the opening round of the Optical Express 54-hole Order of Merit event at Dundonald Links.

The nine-under-par effort was the lowest-ever competitive score at the Ayrshire venue, but it won’t be recorded as a course record due to preferred lies being in operation.

“It was a good day at the office,” said the 30-year-old Edinburgh-based Welshman after signing for an eagle and seven birdies to lead by four shots from Hayston’s Stephen Gray, last year’s Tartan Tour No 1.

Wright, who finished runner-up to Chris Doak in the 2010 Scottish PGA Championship, chipped in at the long third for his eagle and almost repeated the feat at the last, where he lipped out with a pitch from 90 yards. “I only put in a wee bit practice over the winter, but it helps when you don’t have to worry about exams,” added the fully qualified PGA pro.

Launching his defence of the Tartan Tour Order of Merit title, Gray made his score with a run of four consecutive 3s from the turn to lead the chasing pack, a shot ahead of European Tour player Steven O’Hara, former Northern Open champion Greig Hutcheon and Scott Herald.

Craig Lee, lying 84th in this season’s Race to Dubai, opened with a 70.