Ramsay rises to top after superb 65 at Valderrama

RICHIE Ramsay’s confident mood heading into the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama was vindicated as the Aberdonian produced one of the best rounds of the year on the European Tour.

On a notoriously difficult golf course and in blustery conditions, the 28-year-old shot a brilliant six-under-par 65 in southern Spain to lead by two shots from Ryder Cup player Ross Fisher. Adding to what was an encouraging opening day for the Scots, Stephen Gallacher carded a 68 to lie in a tie for third, with David Drysdale also in the top five after a one-under 70.

After finishing third behind runaway winner Sergio Garcia in the Castello Masters on Sunday, Ramsay had effectively said “Bring on Valderrama” in a radio interview. Not only was he feeling good about his game but he also feels at home at the Sotogrande course where Seve Ballesteros led Europe to victory in the 1997 Ryder Cup.

“This a shot-maker’s course, which is right up my alley,” he said after a round that contained an eagle and five birdies. “You’ve got to hit it straight, be able to manoeuvre it in the wind and, owing to the overnight rain, control the spin on the greens, which I did great today.

“The conditions were good for the front nine before the wind picked up but coming from Scotland I knew I could keep it going. I worked out a good game plan with my caddie (Mark Crane from Prestwick) about how to play it in the wind and it’s always nice to have a 65 around a classic course like this because it’s had the Ryder Cup and so many great champions.”

Out in the first group of the day, Ramsay holed a bunker shot at the second for the first of his birdies then chipped in for a 2 at the short 14th.

“My short game was really nice and I’ve got my good pal (fellow European Tour player) George Murray to thank for that,” added the former US Amateur champion. “He gave me a lesson in Madrid a few weeks ago, telling me to slow my swing down, so I owe him a couple of beers when I get home.”

Ramsay took over as the leading Scot in this season’s Race to Dubai after leaping to 44th spot on the back of his display in the Castello Masters.

He’s all but secured a place in the season-ending Dubai World Championship and now has his sights set on landing his first European Tour triumph since a South African Open success just under two years ago.

“I enjoy playing this course and I’m feeling really confident about my game at the moment,” added the leader, whose only mistake came when he took 6 on the 536-yard 17th, missing the green with his pitch over the water into the wind.

“I had a good time playing in Sergio’s tournament – it was great to see him win that – and I received a lot of nice messages from friends and family after my third place there.”

Gallacher, who has slipped to 57th in the Race to Dubai, was “delighted” with his opening effort even though it was eclipsed by a “phenomenal” performance from his compatriot. “It was tough out there,” admitted the former Dunhill Links champion. “The wind was swirling and it was fun and games on the back nine.”

Needing to stay in the top 60 to qualify for the season-ending event in Dubai, Gallacher is planning to play in four more events before teaming up with Martin Laird at the World Cup in China.

“I’d rather get that cemented sooner rather than later. I can hopefully have a good week here and see where that takes me,” he added.

Lying 111th on the money-list, Drysdale needs one more decent performance before the end of the season to avoid a visit back to the Qualifying School.

Out in the second last group, his solid opening effort consisted of three birdies and two bogeys.

Garcia, bidding for back-to-back wins, is also tied for fifth on 70, three less than defending champion Graeme McDowell.