By Tym Glaser, Associate Editor - SportARGENTINE LUIS Carbonetti fired a sensational, course record nine-under 63 yesterday to claim a five-stroke lead going into the second round of the Digicel Jamaica Classic at the Half Moon course in Montego Bay.
Carbonetti, who is playing his first season on the European Seniors Tour, got off to a flying start with an eagle at the par-five first and rarely looked back in a round which included nine birdies and two bogeys.
His round was the second lowest in Tour history and the best first-round score recorded.
EASY
"It was one of those days when golf felt easy," the 51-year-old father of four said. "I don't really know that happened but it felt so easy," said Carbonetti, whose brother, Horacio, also plays on he Tour.
Following in Carbonetti's wake was Australian Terry Gale, winner of last week's Bosch Italian Seniors, and American Jerry Bruner who both carded four-under 68s.
"I played steady and probably better this week than last," Gale said. "It played tough out there. You really had to hit some good shots. That 63 is a hell of a score."
Gusty winds and occasional showers made it difficult for the 70-plus field but fortunately the course was spared the heavy rains which affected other parts of the north coast overnight and yesterday.
On the local front, Delroy Cambridge is well in the hunt after the first round of the 5-hole event.
PENULTIMATE ROUND
Miami-based Cambridge shot a fine three-under 69 to be six strokes off the pace going into today's penultimate round.
Cambridge, 54, carded four birdies and a solitary bogey. He is joined at three-under by Englishmen Bob Cameron and David Creamer, Welshman Craig Defoy, American Peter Oakley and New Zealand's Barry Vivian.
Jamaica's other representative in the second staging of the Classic, Seymour Rose, started well with a birdie but then struggled the rest of the way on his way to a 10-over 82 which included nine bogeys and a double bogey.
First tee time today is 8:00 a.m.
