Lindell started strongly for tied fifth on a high-level competition!
Oliver Lindell got off to a brilliant start in the Rolex Series event being played in Scotland. The tournament serves as a warm-up for The Open, which takes place next week. At stake in the competition are not only a substantial points haul but also the final places in The Open. The added pressure of the tournament certainly did not seem to cause Lindell any nervousness during his opening round, as he once again played virtually flawlessly.
His card featured just one bogey alongside five birdies. A score of -4 is enough to share fifth place, and the tournament leaders – including Rory McIlroy – are just one stroke ahead of the Porvoo native.
“It was a really tough slog from the tee to the green. There were certainly some good opportunities out there today, and I had plenty of good putts that didn’t go in. Practically all the putts that didn’t go in from good positions went just over the top, which shows that I was putting really well.”
On Thursday, Lindell hit 15 out of 18 greens in regulation, which enabled him to post a good score. There were birdie opportunities on almost every hole. The wind conditions during the opening round were considerably milder than during the practice days. Lindell estimated that the wind had an effect of about one and a half clubs, whereas on a typical Scottish links course the wind can get considerably stronger.
Preparing for the competition wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.
“It’s been quite a struggle with my allergies since yesterday, and last night was tough. We got through today well, and now, thankfully, I can get some rest,” said Lindell.
There’s a late afternoon tee-off on Friday, at 16.05 Finnish time. A long recovery period will be needed. Sami Välimäki, who played a practice round with Lindell, was the first PGA Tour player on the waiting list and ultimately did not make it into this week’s tournament. However, his place at next week’s Open is secure, and it remains to be seen whether Lindell will join him at Royal Birkdale.