Sean Crocker takes one-shot lead at Hero Open after a course-record round
- Planet Sport writer
- 28 July 2022
America's Sean Crocker topped the Hero Open leaderboard after carding a course-record 63 on the opening day at Fairmont St Andrews.
Crocker recorded an eagle and eight birdies to finish nine under par, a shot ahead of a five-strong group which included England's Ashley Chesters and Ben Stow, the world number 1,719.
Scotland's David Law and Connor Syme were among those a shot further back on seven under as 119 of the 156-man field took advantage of calm conditions to break par.
Defending champion Grant Forrest and Cazoo Classic winner Richie Ramsay are five shots off the lead after matching rounds of 68.
Crocker is seeking a first title on the DP World Tour and admitted a string of nine missed cuts in succession earlier this season had forced him to "grow up".
"Mentally that was probably the toughest thing I've gone through so far," the 25-year-old said.
"I know a lot of people have spoken about the whole mental side of sport but that was probably the darkest I've been in my whole life on a golf course.
"It was the first time I've experienced bad things happening on a golf course and I pretty much just had to grow up.
"I had to look at it and go well 'Okay, you've been lucky enough to play good golf pretty much your whole life so far and now you're going to get a little taste of what this game is all about'.
"It made me aware of just how hard this game is and also realise I can do all the work and still hit bad shots - there's no point in getting upset."
Law carded eight birdies and one bogey in his opening 65, despite having to do without the services of his regular caddie.
"It was a really good day," said Law, who made the cut on his major debut in the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews earlier this month.
"I wasn't really sure what to expect as my caddie Max was ill and couldn't make it so I got my manager (Michael MacDougall) in to carry the bag.
"He was really good; he's caddied in a tour event before so he knew what he was doing and we had a good time out there."