INVERNESS, Scotland (AP) — Francesco Molinari tied the best round in the Scottish Open’s 40-year history, shooting a 10-under 62 on Thursday to take a two-shot lead into the second day of the British Open warm-up tournament.
The Italian rolled in 10 birdies in his first 15 holes in calm early conditions on the Castle Stuart links course, but missed out a chance to shoot the first 59 on the European Tour by finishing with three straight pars.
Top-ranked Luke Donald looked set to finish close behind Molinari until he bogeyed two of his last five holes for a 67. Alejandro Canizares of Spain was second after a 64, with Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark and Raphael Jacquelin of France another shot behind.
Molinari closed last week’s French Open with a 64 and finished second.
