The second edition of the Paris Legends Championship could not have asked for a better launch this Thursday, September 28 at the Golf National. With the Englishman Paul Broadhurst, it is a big name in golf who takes control of the tournament at the end of the first round. And how ! With a card of 65 (-7 under par) simply splendid with his seven birdies and not the slightest shadow of a bogey, Broadhurst hit hard from the start.

Crowned Senior British Open Champion in 2016, which totally revived his ambitions as a professional golfer, the Briton with six European Tour titles between 1989 and 2006, shines in his measured and discreet way: “There are still two rounds coming up. But with a 65 to start the tournament, one can only be happy. It really is a very good start. Especially on this course. I would particularly remember my finish, since I played -3 on the sequence 15, 16, 17 and 18. "

This course of the Albatross, which will host the Ryder Cup in September 2018, exactly one year from now, Paul Broadhurst knows it well. It was there, in 1995, that he won the French Open. “A great memory. I had played 63 on the last day. “Since his last visit to the site, during the 2011 edition of the French Open, the course has of course evolved. But the Englishman still enjoys himself on the 15th: “My favorite hole. Although I wouldn't play it every day it can get rough if the wind picks up. So far, we are lucky. "

At the end of this first day, the British leader has a magnificent margin. He is indeed three moves ahead of a quartet of 2nd tied at -4 (cards of 68): his compatriots Roger Chapman and Peter T. Wilson, the Swedish Magnus P. Atlevi - winner of the 2016 edition of this Paris Legends Championship - and Media Star of the Week, American John Daly. Definitely a dream cast for the first leaderboard of the French tournament.

Behind, there are five players tied for 6th at -3: the Swede Jarmo Sandelin, with his great series of three birdies at 15,16 and 17, the Englishman Paul Wesselingh, the Argentinian Cesar Monasterio, the Welshman Stephen Dodd and finally , the Englishman Philip Golding, also winner of the French Open, in 2003 on the course of the Albatross. On the French side, Jean-François Remésy and Marc Farry are 23rd at +1, Roger Sabarros 45th at +5 and Jean-Pierre Sallat 49th at +6.

Besides the flagship game from Paul Broadhurst, Magnus P. Atlevi and South African Chris Williams, the current leader of the Senior Tour Order of Merit, the Golf National spectators have followed John Daly's game a lot. The American with the psychedelic pants played with two other members of Team Pitch & Play (the agency which organizes this Paris Legends Championship): the Basque Roger Sabarros and the English Barry Lane.

“For me, it was a fantastic game, an extraordinary experience, even if I was a little nervous at the beginning,” says Roger Sabarros. It was really fun. Play the Albatross, the Paris Legends Championship, and more with two players like them! I know Barry well but I had never been with John in tournament. He was adorable. Very athletic. He says absolutely nothing when he misses a shot. That said, there is not a lot missing !!! "

Winner for the first time among seniors last May on the PGA Tour Champions in the United States, John Daly is therefore going in pursuit of Paul Broadhurst in this Paris Legends Championship. For a possible first title on the European Senior Tour. With the Atlevi, Sandelin, Golding, Wilson and company for arbitrators. A great show in perspective for the next two rounds, this Friday and Saturday at the Golf National.

To know more : https://www.parislegendschampionship.com/

For further :

• Interview with Paul-Ian Armitage (Director of National Golf): "All of this is unique in the world"
• 2nd edition of the Paris Legends Championship: 4 confirmed legends
• Paris Legends Championship: one year before the Ryder Cup, all at the Golf National!