Dredge satisfied with opening round at Qatar Masters

Bradley Dredge admits he is satisfied with his game after impressively taking the lead after day one of the Qatar Masters.

The Welshman carded eight birdies and no bogeys on his way to an opening 64 to finish the day on eight-under at Doha Golf Club.

That was enough to give him a one-shot lead ahead of Mikko Korhonen, while Graeme McDowell, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Nathan Kimsey are in a tie for third, two off the pace.

Dredge has not won on the European Tour since the 2006 Omega European Masters and after getting the best of the conditions in the opening round, is again expected to miss the worst of the wind on Friday.

The 43-year-old admits he was pleased with his performance on Thursday and is hoping to continue along the same vein during the remainder of the tournament.

“I understood that today, scoring was going to be good,” Dredge said. “It was the opportunity to go at more flags and get the ball a bit closer to the hole.

“I’m delighted with the score today. A bit surprised, I thought I was going to hit the ball a bit better off the tee than I did but I hit a few more fairways. I putted really well.”

Tagged Bradley Dredge, Qatar Masters