GOLF
Luiten leads as European Tour returns in Austria
The European Tour got back under way amid the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday with the Austrian Open, where Joost Luiten claimed a first-round lead.
Golf was halted due to the global crisis, but after the PGA Tour's return last month, the European Tour and Challenge Tour followed suit in Atzenbrugg.
Six-time Tour winner Luiten was fastest out the blocks as he secured a one-stroke advantage at the end of the first day's play.
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The Dutchman went round in 65 with a birdie-birdie finish taking him to seven under par after just a single bogey.
No rust for @joostluitenA closing birdie and the lead in Austria.#AustrianOpen pic.twitter.com/lyYENKi8RW— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 9, 2020
"I think a lot of the guys didn't know where we stood really with our game," Luiten said afterwards. "It's good to have a fast start and bring in a good score."
Scottish pair Craig Howie - who went bogey-free - and Marc Warren provided Luiten's closest competition at six under, while a further four players were back on five under.
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