Robinson-Thompson sets course record in Bahrain

Brandon Robinson-Thompson set a course record of 61 at the Royal Golf Club

Brandon Robinson-Thompson set a course record of 61 and took a three-shot lead after the first round of the Bahrain Championship.

From the Isle of Wight, Robinson-Thompson is competing in his first season on the DP World Tour and was delighted with his start in Bahrain despite making bogey at the last hole.

"I didn't picture this outcome this morning when it was raining and there was a forecast of strong winds," Robinson-Thompson told the DP World Tour.

"I was very happy to get off to the start that I did, it was an accumulation of a lot of good decision-making, execution, and I made a lot of putts.

"It wasn't perfect but I was smart when I had to be. There is a little bit of a sour taste in my mouth because of the end but I holed my fair share."

The 32-year-old came within touching distance of equalling a tour record set by Oliver Fisher, who became the first player on the European Tour to shoot a round of 59, at the 2018 Portugal Masters.

Through the first 17 holes, Robinson-Thompson recorded eight birdies and two eagles to put himself on 56 strokes and in need of a birdie to match the record going to the final hole.

The Briton made a five at the par-four 18th, however, ending the round frustratingly despite a career-best score.

"This has to be my first or second-best round ever, surely," he said.

"It is my lowest round as a professional I'm pretty sure. I'm going to do a lot of the same stuff going forward.

"I'm working with a new caddy at the moment and he's great, we get along well and talk through everything. We'll be having a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to it."

Robinson-Thompson's fellow Englishman Callum Tarren held second place on eight under, two shots clear of a group of four that included Scotland's Richie Ramsay.