Thursday 28 September 2017 17:37, UK
Matthew Fitzpatrick continued his good run of form with a four-under-par 66 in the opening round of the British Masters, supported by Sky Sports.
The-23-year-old Englishman won the European Masters on his last appearance earlier this month and is bidding for his second British Masters title after winning the 2015 edition at Woburn.
Fitzpatrick, playing alongside Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan, teed off on the 10th hole at 8.10am at Close House and was level after the first two holes before picking up a birdie at the 12th.
He gave that shot back on the 14th but was back in red figures on the 17th before producing a solid front-nine which featured birdies at the third, sixth and ninth, which left him three behind the early pace-setters.
"It was a good day," said the world No 35. "I was really pleased to get off to a good start. A 66, four-under, it's a couple back, but 66 is always sort of quite nice.
"I scrambled really well. Sort of made, not a mess, but a couple of bad putts and a couple of bad chips that just got away but just managed to make the putts to save myself.
"I holed a few good, eight, nine-footers to save par, and capitalised when I gave myself chances. My game feels in decent shape."
Fitzpatrick also paid tribute to the crowds, who came out in force to support the opening day of the tournament with the sun shining on Tyneside.
"On the par-three - five - looking around, Rory chipped to about a foot and the crowds, it was a lot and really loud. It was great to see," added the four-time European Tour winner..
"We were always going to get good crowds up here. It's fantastic to see."
