Liam Johnston sets pace at Portugal Masters with brilliant 61

Scotland’s Liam Johnston fired a brilliant 61 to lead the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura. Picture: Adam Davy/PA

Scotland’s Liam Johnston revealed he was blissfully unaware of his opportunity to card only the second 59 in European Tour history after setting a blistering pace at the Portugal Masters.

At the same venue where Oliver Fisher made history in 2018, Johnston went to the turn in 31 before firing five birdies in his next seven holes to leave him needing an eagle-birdie finish to break the magical 60 barrier.