Kevin Duncan set a brisk early pace on day one of the Northern Open at Portlethen.
In the latest event on The PGA’s new Open Series, Duncan stamped his authority on affairs with a five-under 67 which eased him into a one shot advantage over Craig Lee, Chris Currie and Stephen Gray.
Kings Links pro Duncan, a winner on the third-tier Pro Golf Tour in Morocco a couple of years ago, had reached the two-under mark at the turn before pulling an eagle out of the bag on the par-5 13th.
His offensive continued with a birdie on the 14th and, despite leaking his only shot of the day on the 15th, Duncan picked up another shot on the 17th to complete a fine shift.
The chasing pack was spearheaded by Lee who was back in action on the Arnold Clark Tartan Tour after an outing at the European Challenge Tour’s Scottish Challenge at Newmachar last weekend where he led after two rounds.
Lee, who won the Northern Open at Spey Valley 13 years ago, got himself back in the mix with a 68 which included a birdie on the last.
Currie also picked up a shot on his final hole to join Lee in second with Gray coming home in three-under for a 68 to set himself up for a title tilt.
Paul O’Hara, who won his second Northern Open crown at Portlethen last year, was lurking on the three-under mark.
Graham Fox, the Loch Lomond Whiskies Scottish PGA champion, also opened with a 69, as did Aberdeen veteran Scott Henderson, the Northern Open champion back in 1996.
CLICK HERE for a full list of scores from day one of the Northern Open.
