Top Indian golfer Jeev Milka Singh shared a new course record of 65 on the first day of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush.
Singh, 40, birdied six of his opening nine holes and made it three birdies in succession when he birdied the 10th before dropping a shot at the 14th but ending his round with a birdie at the last in the rain and lightning-affected event.
He was later joined by 30-year-old Frenchman Gregory Bourdy who birdied three of his opening four holes in a bogey free display.
Three players, Australia’s Matthew Zions and Englishmen Mark Foster and Andrew Marshall, share second place, one stroke behind, on six under par.
Triple major winning Padraig Harrington quickly stamped his claim for a second Irish Open title with a five-under 67.
Harrington, winner of the event in 2007 at Adare Manor, recorded six birdies and just one bogey as he seeks to end a four-year winless drought.
Singh’s starting round is his best opening score since a similar 65 to commence the Malaysian Open earlier this year, enroute to finishing 11th in Kuala Lumpur.