Goddard storms into a share

Unheralded Englishman Luke Goddard produced a storming finish to claim a share of the lead after the first round of the Portugal Open.

McGrane also at top of leaderboard after opening 64

Unheralded Englishman Luke Goddard produced a storming finish to claim a share of the lead after the opening round of the Estoril Open in Portugal. The 21-year-old birdied his last four holes to surge to eight-under-par, joining Irishman Damien McGrane at the top of the leaderboard. They finished up one clear of long-time leader Eirik Tage Johansen of Norway and Stuart Manley of Wales who both shot 65 at Penha Longa Golf Club. Another Englishman, Richard Bland, and Andrew Tampion of Australia were locked together in fifth at six-under, while a group of nine players stood at five-under including Bradley Dredge and Thomas Bjorn. But it was Goddard who produced the story of the day as he made the most of a sponsor's invitation he was offered on Monday. The former English Amateur champion arrived at Portugal having missed the cut in every tournament he had played as a professional. In order to try and bring about a change of fortune he brought girlfriend Lucy to caddie for him at the event and the move paid dividends as his putter ran hot late in his round. "I was just plodding along and then holed four putts from nowhere," Goddard explained afterwards. "I've not had much success as a pro and Lucy caddied for me when I finished first, second and fifth as an amateur, so I decided to bring her out here." Starting at the tenth hole, Goddard got his round off to a flying start with an eagle at 11 and birdies at the 13th and 14th to move to four-under. He then recorded nine straight pars before closing with his run of birdies. World number 220 McGrane hit a bogey-free round and picked up eight birdies - including three in a row between the 11th and 13th - to take the clubhouse lead. "I gave myself plenty of birdie chances and when they came they came fast and furious," stated the 2008 China Open champion.