Brilliant Robinson Leads The Way - 03/10/2007

SAM ROBINSON is the leader after the opening round of the 2006 PGA EuroPro Tour Qualifying School Final Stage, after firing in a nine-under-par 64 on Tuesday.

The Blankney golfer came through the field at the Bedford Stage One Qualifier last week, and produced a stunning first round at Frilford Heath.

He hit five birdies in his opening nine holes, only dropping a shot at the fifth to turn at -4, and three successive birdies at 13, 14 and 15 took him ahead of early clubhouse leader Matthew Dearden.

Robinson then pulled clear at the par four 16th, when he holed his second shot after being given relief from a burrowing animal hole.

Dearden opened his challenge on the Red Course with a six-under-par 67, with Neil Rowlands, Jamie McLeary and David Porter a further shot back.

Four players sit on -4, with a further nine opening with a round of 70.

Five players on the Red Course hit a two-under-par 71 for their opening round, with the Blue Course proving a tougher prospect.

Peter Turner, Danny Sturgeon, Ciaran McMonagle, James Ruebotham and Peter Martin all shot two-under-par rounds of 69, and will switch to the Red Course for Wednesday's second round.

Noel Fox, Grant Wilman, Eric Ramsey and Sean Doherty are all sat on one under par following their opening round.

The cut will be made to halve the 240-man field following Wednesday's second round, with 120 players, plus ties, progressing to the final round on Thursday.

Tuesday's opening round was delayed due to overnight frost, with play eventually beginning at 9.15am.

Click the Score Updates link for full first round scores.