Portuguese Open
Le Meridien
Penina, Portugal
19th - 22nd March 1998

Par 73 Prize Money £350,000

First Round Report

First Round Scores

Clarke's seven-under gives him a one-shot lead

Penina, Algarve, 19th March 1998 - Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland shot a 7-under-par 66 and took a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Portuguese Open today.

Clarke's score matched the course record on the 6,903-yard Penina layout. However, the score was not eligible for the record because preferred lies were used due to mud accumulating on the balls in damp areas of the course.

Spain's Seve Ballesteros drew the largest crowds but settled for a 1-under 72.

England's Peter Mitchell, whose round included three birdies and an eagle in the final six holes, was second at 67.

Five players were tied for third at 68: Jean Van de Velde of France, Spain's Domingo Hospital, Australian Wayne Riley, Argentina's Eduardo Romero and Zimbabwean Tony Johnstone.

The £350,000 Portuguese Open is the eighth European tour event of the year but only the first on European soil.