Golf Links: Friday, July 28 news and notes

Porsche European Open

In Hamburg Julian Surry and Richard McEvoy have set the pace at the Porsche European Open. New names for you? Surry is a Challenge Tour player and McEvoy is a veteran European Tour player who’s not seen much recent success.

it’s not really my style of golf course to be honest – Julian Surry

But Thursday at the Green Eagles Golf Course was a good day for the pair who both signed for first round 6-under 66s. That gives them a one stroke overnight lead over Chris Paisley, Charl Schwartzel, Stuart Manley and defending champion Alexander Levy.

McEvoy, who’s rolling on momentum from his SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge earlier this month, explained his round this way:

"It’s wet out there and I’m not the longest of hitters, 
I’m quite average on tour, 
but I did everything kind of right today. When I got myself in trouble I got out of it well and I took advantage of the holes where I was hitting wedges in, so a very pleasing start."

Pre-tournament favorites Patrick Reed and Jimmy Walker have some 2nd round work to do. Reed is starting at 4-under and Walker at even par going into Friday’s second round.

Second round play begins at 7:20 local time (GMT +2). Follow this link for pairings and tee times. Golf Channel begins broadcast coverage of the European Open 2nd round Friday, July 28 at 5am ET.