Course Record Gives Lilly The Lead - 03/06/2008

SIMON LILLY broke the course record on his way to establishing a one-shot lead after the first day's play at the Golf Weekly International Open at Heydon Grange.

Lilly, from Wellingborough, shot four birdies on the front nine and then repeated the score on his way in to end up on an eight-under-par 64.

David Clark (Morpeth) saw his round of 65 only blighted by two bogeys to share second place with Robert Wragg of Renishaw Park.

Four players are a further shot behind including Chris Sands who had a stroke of fortune at the first hole when he chipped in for an eagle - after having to send his caddy back to his car for his forgotten putter!

As well as the total prize money of £40,000 with £10,000 to the winner, a number of extra prizes are also on offer with Coors Brewery donating six crates of beer to the player 'nearest the pin' on the last hole and Santa Maria Golf Suites offering a week's holiday for two on the Costa Del Sol for the player with the lowest round of the tournament.

Finally, Coors Brewery have also donated a digital camera to the player who cards the most birdies and eagles over the three days play.

1    64 (-8) Simon Lilly          Wellingborough
2=  65 (-7) David Clark         Morpeth
                 Robert Wragg     Renishaw Park
4= 66 (-6)  Denny Lucas      Worksop
                 Greg Hyde          Bondhay
                 Chris Sands       Surrenda-Link
7= 67 (-5)  Darryl Ley          Unattached
                 David Walley      Wolstanton
                 Michael Welch    Hawkstone Park
                 Barry Hume        Haggs Castle
                 Michiel Bothma   Woodhill Pretoria