AGADIR, Morocco (AP) — Ireland’s Damien McGrane opened with a 7-under 65 Thursday to lead the Hassan II Trophy by two strokes, while England’s Robert Rock lost a chance to play in his first Masters by taking an 11 on the fourth hole.
Rock is ranked 57th and this year held off Tiger Woods to win the Abu Dhabi Championship. He must finish first or second in this European Tour event to make the top 50 and assure a spot at Augusta National in two weeks.
He called it “a shame and a disappointment” that one hole cost him his Masters shot. He eagled the 17th but finished with a 77.
Spain’s Alejandro Canizares (67) is in second place. Having difficult days were major winners John Daly (77) and Michael Campbell (81).
