Walker Strides Clear At Heydon Grange - 27/08/2007

A FLAWLESS opening round of 65 from Neil Walker has seen him hold the lead following the first day of the Heydon Grange International Open.

The 22-year-old from Rotherham, representing Special Steel Group, landed seven birdies for his first round and dropped no shots to move out to -7.

That puts him a shot clear of Lee Wood, who produced a six-under-par 66 on Thursday.

Gary Oliver and Alan Murray sit at shot further back at -5, with nine players locked at four-under-par.

"I'm really pleased," said Walker, who is in his first year as a professional.

"I managed to stay out of the rough off the tee, holed a few important putts and took advantage of the shorter holes.

"It's a good start and I'll hope to keep it up on Friday and Saturday. It's nice to be up there."

The round was extra special for Walker, with his mother and grandmother - who was celebrating her 82nd birthday - joining his father, a regular follower, in watching him in action.

"It's nice to put a score in like that for my grandmother, and that my family were here to see it," added Walker.

"It's usually only my dad who comes down, but my gran followed me round on the buggy today."

In a low scoring opening day in superb conditions, 85 players recorded par or better for their opening round.

The top 50 players, plus ties, following Friday's final second round will progress to the final round on Saturday to compete for the £10,000 first prize.