Armitage Leads Ras Al Khaimah Championship by Four Shots

English golfer Marcus Armitage took a commanding lead at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship, finishing the first round with an impressive nine-under-par 63, featuring 11 birdies and only two bogeys. His score set an early clubhouse target, leaving him four strokes ahead of challengers Jack Senior, Alexander Bjork, and Ivan Cantero, who all finished at five under par. Armitage attributed his success to a combination of mental rest and sharp putting, recalling a 40-foot opening birdie that set a positive tone for his round. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting it was his best score in several years and highlighting his ability to stay in the zone throughout the round. The first round faced interruptions, with eight players still needing to finish their rounds. Notably, three-time major winner Padraig Harrington also performed well, carding a four-under 68, placing him within striking distance of the leaders.