Walker and Serrano in Parador paradise
Maynooth University student Simon Walker records personal best to lead the R&A Student Tour Series – Spain by two shots. Universidad de Malaga player Esperanza Serrano also has a two-shot lead thanks to local knowledge of Parador de Malaga Golf club.
There’s no such thing as perfect round of golf, but Walker came pretty close to it in the opening round with bogey-free, seven-under-par 65. Serrano went round the Malaga layout in level par.
Troia win brings confidence
Winning the previous Student Tour Series event at Troia Golf in Portugal last month has put 21-year-old Walker in the form of his life.
“I’m playing good golf,” said the accounting and finance student. “I picked up a lot of confidence from winning at Troia. To win by two shots over a tough golf course has to give you confidence. So I’m happy with where my game is.”
Nearly perfect
“I wouldn’t say it was a perfect round of golf, but I played pretty well today. I putted pretty perfectly. Apart from a few holes on the back nine, where I just got a wee bit loose off the tee, I played really well.”
Walker holds a two-shot lead over Maynooth teammate Alan Fahy, who had six birdies, an eagle and three dropped shots in his round.
Aiming for St Andrews finale
Walker has his sights set on moving up the order of merit in the last event before the Series Final at St Andrews next month. The Roscommon Golf Club member currently lies eighth with 145 points, 85 points behind leader George Cannon of the University of Stirling. A win this week is worth 120 points for men, and 100 for women. And with points increased by one and a half for the Final, there’s much to play for before the St Andrews dénouement.
“It’s a big week with the last event before the Final at St Andrews,” Walker said. “That’s the bigger picture. I’d like to put myself in a position where I can have a go at the order of merit.”
Personal best tournament score
Walker certainly put himself in position with his lowest ever tournament score.
“Outside rounds at my home club, this is my lowest round ever in a tournament. I shot a five-under 67 in the Scratch Cup at Castletroy last year, so I’ve beaten my personal best by two shots, which is obviously very satisfying.”
Order of merit leader Cannon returned a one-under 71 and sits in joint eighth place.
Local knowledge
Serrano was able to rely on experience of the Parador course to put together a level par 72 in the blustery conditions that sprang up for the later starters. She recorded four birdies and four bogeys in her debut appearance in the Student Tour series. The 22-year-old sits two shots in front of University of Stirling player Maria Toledo-Bailey.
“The first six holes were okay but then the wind picked up and it was tough to hit the right shot,” Serrano said. “I made a lot of putts today so that helped.
“This is my home course in Malaga. I’ve played a lot of golf here. I’ve won two tournaments on this course, so I maybe have a little bit of an advantage over the other players.”
Dream debut start
The Bellavista Golf Club near Huelva member is making her debut start in the Student Tour series, but had wanted to play in previous events.
“I’ve known about this series for a while but couldn’t play because tournaments clashed with my studies, so I’m happy to play for the first time. It’s very well organised and the competition is really good.”
Bound for the Home of Golf
Serrano, who is doing a master’s degree in podiatrics, currently has no status on the order of merit. A good performance here would get her one of the 15 spots in the Final. She is so intent on playing at the Home of Golf that she’s already booked her flight.
“I had a chance to get a good flight to Scotland so I just went for it. I really want to play golf at St Andrews, so I hope I do well this week.”
She’ll make it to the home of golf if she maintains her opening round form.
McClymont five behind
Women’s order of merit leader and defending champion Lorna McClymont, winner of two of the previous three series events, returned a five-over 77. She is five shots behind Serrano in joint fifth place. 
