Golf: Storm takes early lead at KLM Open

“I’ve had a tough run and it’s all been a bit of a struggle. I’ve just not been enjoying it,” says Storm.

HILVERSUM: Graeme Storm put a lean and emotionally testing spell behind him to take the first-round lead in the KLM Open, while Ryder Cup star Martin Kaymer made a timely return to form. A fine 63 enabled the Englishman to reach seven under, which put him two shots clear of Kaymer, who ended the day level with Fabrizio Zanotti of Paraguay and Frenchman Raphaël Jacquelin. But leading the way is Storm, who currently lies 114th in The Race to Dubai and faces a battle to retain his European Tour card. “I’ve had a tough run and it’s all been a bit of a struggle. I’ve just not been enjoying it,” said Storm. “I lost my grandfather and since then I have really struggled.” Zanotti, who tied for second when Kaymer triumphed, managed to avoid any dropped shots, while Simon Dyson began the week with a 70 that featured an eagle on 18.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2012.