Red-hot McGrane calls the shots in Royal Palace

There was not even the proverbial man and his dog on hand to witness Damien McGrane move to a two-stroke lead with a 65 on the opening day of the Hassan II Trophy in Agadir.

For a starter, dogs are strictly forbidden on the King of Morocco’s privately owned Gulf du Palais Royal course in Agadir while it is near impossible for the average Moroccan to gain entry into the Royal Palace enclosure.

McGrane dropped a stroke at the fourth but stormed home in the windy conditions to birdie four of closing five holes.