Finch flying high at Italian Open

English golfer Richard Finch had the best possible reason today to cancel plans to go to a friend’s wedding in Portugal this weekend after firing a course record at the Italian Open.

English golfer Richard Finch had the best possible reason today to cancel plans to go to a friend’s wedding in Portugal this weekend.

The 27-year-old from Hull, playing just his ninth European tour event, blasted a course record 63 to lead the Telecom Italian Open in Milan.

“I brought a suit with me and I checked out of my hotel this morning,” said Finch. “I just hope they’ve still got a room for me now.”

An eagle and eight birdies enabled the 2002 England amateur champion to knock one stroke off the Castello di Tolcinasco record achieved by Mark Roe and Gregory Havret last year and then matched by Devon’s Stuart Little just a few minutes earlier.

Finch leads from Welshman Bradley Dredge who had four birdies in five holes from the 13th to catch Finch at 12 under but finished his round of 66 at 11 under.

Gary Murphy is best of the Irish after firing a 72 to leave him tied for 13th at five under.