Late entry Matthew Jordan shoots 63 to lead British Masters after opening round

James Corrigan
Despite his late call-up to the British Masters, Matthew Jordan shot 63 in the first round to lead by two shots - PA
Despite his late call-up to the British Masters, Matthew Jordan shot 63 in the first round to lead by two shots - PA

On Sunday morning Matthew Jordan had been resigned to missing the biggest European Tour event to be held in his locality for decades. But then the call came and a sponsor’s exemption for the Betfred British Masters was his.

It is fair to say that the 23-year-old did not need a second invitation.

Jordan’s remarkable 63 on the wet and chilly Southport links yesterday earned him a two-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Matt Wallace and Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult, with Lee Westwood, who had birdies on six of the first seven holes, one shot further back in the group in fourth.

Jordan’s nine-under magnificence featured nine pars and nine birdies. Not too shabby for the player ranked 837th in the world and competing in his ninth Tour event.

“I didn’t expect that, no, but then it’s been a week of surprises, as I’m a Liverpool fan and didn’t expect to see them beat Barcelona 4-0 on Tuesday either,” he said.

Matthew Jordan of England shakes hands with Marcel Siem of Germany on the 18th during Day One of the Betfred British Masters at Hillside Golf Club on May 09, 2019 in Southport - Credit: Getty Images
Jordan was partnered with Marcel Siem in the first round Credit: Getty Images

“I was in a good mood by then, anyway, as I only got my invite to play here on Sunday and I was so thankful for the opportunity. The later you find out, the better, because otherwise you start thinking about it too early – and what happened at Anfield took my mind off it.”

Jordan lives in Hoylake and plays at Royal Liverpool, the Wirral links that has hosted two Opens in the past 13 years. Two years ago, his sister, Becky, reached the Britain’s Got Talent final as a member of dance group MerseyGirls. And there was doubting Matthew’s talent when he joined the paid ranks last September.

Jordan was off plus-seven (meaning he had to shoot seven-under each time just to play to his handicap) and reached world No 5 in the amateur rankings. His best finish so far is a tie for 32nd in the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa in  December.

Tommy Fleetwood of England looks on during Day One of the Betfred British Masters at Hillside Golf Club on May 09, 2019 in Southport, United Kingdom - Credit: Getty Images
Tommy Fleetwood, who is hosting the event, shot 68 in his first round Credit: Getty Images

As tournament promoter, Tommy Fleetwood could have ensured his friend was invited. Yet he insisted he left the decision to Tour officials. “I had nothing to do with it, but I’m happy because I’ve known Matty for a long time,” Fleetwood said.

Fleetwood was pleased with his 68. Inevitably there have been added distractions due to his role here, but what has most thrown him was seeing his name on a bus to promote the event in the town where he grew up.

“It is surreal – my dad has even been behind the wheel as part of the promotion,” Fleetwood added.