Nicolas Colsaerts gave it his best shot, coming home in 7-under 29, but he missed an 18-foot birdie putt on the final hole that left him one shot shy of recording the first official 59 in European Tour history.
Colsaerts’ 11-under 60 – good enough for a three-shot lead at the Portugal Masters – included seven birdies and two eagles. Facing a 18-footer on the 463-yard finishing hole, his bid for the first sub-60 score in European Tour history burned the left edge.
Still cant believe that putt on 18 didnt drop for magical 59 #personalbest #PortugalMasters #EuropeanTour #TeamCallaway
— Nicolas Colsaerts (@Coelsss) October 9, 2014
Colsaerts went out in 31 Thursday, then ran off three birdies in a row on Nos. 10-12. After two pars, he eagled the par-4 15th and par-5 17th to give himself a chance. He settled for the 19th round of 60 in tour history.
Nicolas Colsaerts’ Round 1 scorecard at the Portugal Masters
The Portugal Masters is used to this kind of drama. Last year, Scott Jameison needed to hole his third shot on 18 for a 59, but his chip from behind the green grazed the edge of the cup.
Last month, Paul Casey had a chance to shoot 59 in the third round of the KLM Open. He bogeyed the last hole.
Jorge Campillo and Colin Nel recorded 59s at the Nelson Mandela Championship last December, but they were ruled unofficial because they played preferred lies.
