Clarke leads at Loch Lomond

Golf Betting Lines

07/08/2010 - Glasgow, Scotland (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Darren Clarke posted a six-under 65 on Thursday to take the first-round lead of the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond Golf Club.

Clarke is riding a hot wave. He captured the unofficial JP McManus Pro-Am earlier in the week as he is trying to get one of the final spots in next week's field at the British Open Championship at St. Andrews. A top-five finisher this week who is not otherwise exempt gets into the field next week.

"I'm a bit of a confidence player," said Clarke, who finished second at the 1997 British Open. "I've been on tour for a long time. Of course I'd love to qualify for next week. My focus is playing this week and playing as well as I can and if that gets me into the Open, then fantastic."

Edoardo Molinari, Graeme Storm and Damien McGrane are knotted in second place at five-under 66.

John Daly, 18-year-old Japanese star Ryo Ishikawa, Stephen Gallacher, Thongchai Jaidee, Peter Hedblom, Bradley Dredge and Johan Edfors are tied for fifth at four-under 67.

This being the final tune-up for next week's Open Championship is one of many storylines in place this week at Loch Lomond.

Phil Mickelson, the Masters champion, is No. 2 in the world, but a win on Sunday or a solo runner-up would give Mickelson his first-ever No. 1 spot in the world rankings.

Mickelson will have some work to do to get to that coveted perch. He managed an even-par 71, and that was with a double-bogey from the brush at 14, and is tied for 44th.

Also at even-par is 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell, who is making his first start since earning his first major title last month at Pebble Beach. He was careful not to be too excited about his return after a three-week celebration.

"There were a few good swings in there and a few champagne swings as well," joked McDowell.

But after Thursday, the story was Clarke.

He birdied two of his first five and added another at No. 7 to reach three- under par. Clarke knocked his approach to 10 feet to set up birdie at the ninth to get him one off the early lead.

Clarke joined first place with a birdie at the par-five 13th. He took sole possession of the lead thanks to a five-footer for birdie at the very next hole.

Clarke parred his remaining holes and in a driving rain toward the very end of his round. He is a leader

"Obviously I played nicely all day," said Clarke. "I gave myself lots of chances. As you can see from the scoring, it was pretty tough out there. All in all, very pleased with it."

NOTES: Two-time winner Ernie Els shot a two-under 69...Gregory Havret, who was second to McDowell at Pebble Beach and also returned to the European Tour Thursday, shot a one-under 70. He won this title in a playoff over Mickelson in 2007...Defending champion Martin Kaymer had a 71 in round one...Reigning PGA Champion Y.E. Yang struggled to a one-over 72.

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