Daniel Brooks storms into lead at Samanah Masters - 09/12/2009

PGA EuroPro Tour man Daniel Brooks leads the Samanah Masters 2009 Satellite Tours Grand Finale at the Samanah Country Club in Marrakesh, Morocco by five strokes after a sensational eight under opening round of 64.

Brooks (pictured) finished third on the EuroPro Tour Order of Merit for 2009 with five top three finishes in the 12 events he played, beginning with victory in the Sureshot GPS Classic at Bovey Castle in June. The Mill Hill man continued his fine year in the special event for the top 15 of the EuroPro, Alps, Nordic and EPD tours, birdying six of his last seven holes with five on the spin to take a firm grip on the tournament.

"It's the first time I have been to Morocco," said Brooks. "The weather is great, the food is delicious and the course and greens are in great condition. I have had a great season and I felt good today."

Two fellow EuroPro players are part of the five men tied for second spot, with James Ruebotham and Andrew Thorpe both shooting rounds of 69. Order of Merit winner Scott Jamieson is one stroke further back alongside fellow Scotsman Jack Doherty, one stroke ahead of Nicky Harris. George Woolgar finished level for the opening round, one shot ahead of Scotsman Elliot Saltman.

First Round scores:

1 64 -8 Daniel Brooks
2= 69 -3 James Ruebotham
2= 69 -3 Andrew Thorpe
7= 70 -2 Jack Doherty
7= 70 -2 Scott Jamieson
15= 71 -1 Nicky Harris
19= 72 Par George Woolgar
24= 73 +1 Elliot Saltman
32= 74 +2 Tom Haylock
32= 74 +2 Paul Reed
38= 75 +3 Paul Dwyer
44= 76 +4 Sandeep Grewal
44= 76 +4 Matt Ford
51= 77 +5 Steve Surry

Date Posted: 09/12/09