It’s starting to get like that other great edifice in European golf, the apparently unattainable Tour 59.
There have been 18 60s in the history of the European Tour, the first by David Llewellyn in 1988 (on a par 68 course, but still) and the last by Peter Uihlein in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, at Kingsbarns in 2013. No-one has cracked the elusive sub-60 round.
At Carnoustie, they’re getting there, after Alex Noren shot an eight-under 64 to lead this year’s version of the Dunhill Links and to become the 10th player to shoot that number on Angus’ great shaggy monster.
Alan Tait, the Scottish pro, was the first in 1994, followed by Colin Montgomerie a year later, and then Steve Stricker, Richard Green, Peter O’Malley, Paul Lawrie, Thomas Levet, Shane Lowry and Oliver Wilson. As with the tour record, one shot better seems strangely unattainable.
Since Carnoustie has been played every year as part of the Dunhill rota since 2001 and the Open has been back there twice since it got back on the R&A’s list, it’s almost uncanny.
Noren didn’t get close, having to birdie his last two holes and four of the last five to get to his 64, but he continued his incredible run of form in Scotland that’s already seen him capture the Aberdeen Asset Scottish Open and finish runner-up in the Paul Lawrie Matchplay.
“One of the best rounds I’ve played,” he said. “Tough conditions, but the three courses this week are all perfect, in the best shape I’ve ever seen them.
“I’ve never shot lower than about 71 here, so I wasn’t expecting that much. But the putting was good and I was never really in bad trouble.”
Joakim Lagergren had a 66 to lie second at Carnoustie while at Kingsbarns, traditionally the easiest scoring of the venues, Ross Fisher had an eagle and five birdies in his 65 to lie second.
Lowest at St Andrews on the first day were 65s shared by veteran Frenchman Rap[hael Jacquelin and the young Englishman Calum Shinkwin.
