Bourdy is first round leader during stormy Open de Espana

From WorldGolf.com News Services

Weather was the story during the first round of the European PGA Tour's Open de Espana in Madrid, as heavy rains and high winds suspended play for eight hours yesterday.

Frenchman Gregory Bourdy had to finish his first round early today because of the delay, but with better conditions he was able to post a 5-under-par 67 to take the first round lead.

"It was a strange round," Bourdy told Reuters "It was difficult at the beginning and I was one over after five holes, but my irons and my putting came good.

"This year I want to win and maybe it can be this week," he told the news agency.

Bourdy is looking for his first win on the European Tour after three years competing. He has had past success on other tours, notably the Sunshine Tour, where he won the South African PGA Championship last year.

He ended his first round strongly. Despite a bogey on the par-3 14th, Bourdy turned around and birdied the par-4 15th and eagled the par-5 16th. He closed his round with a birdie on the par-4 18th.

Bourdy is one shot up on American Notah Begay III, who shot a first round 68 to stand at 4-under-par. Begay was the leader for most of the first round, before weather put a stop to play. His round included six birdies, but he slid back to the field with bogeys at the par-4 12th and par-4 18th.

A strong roster of Spanish golfers is vying for the title, with each trying to become the first Spaniard to win the Open de Espana in five years.

Luis Claverie is ahead of his fellow countrymen, one off the lead after a first round 68. Veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez is three back, at 2-under-par.

The last Spaniard to win the Open de Espana is Sergio Garcia, who took the title home in 2002 at the El Cortijo Club.

April 27, 2007