'I got Valderrama'd today' - Tough start to Andalucia Masters defence for Matt Fitzpatrick

Matt Fitzpatrick has ground to make up after making a slow start to the defence of his Andalucia Masters title. The US Open champion did not play badly, but fell victim to the brutal nature of Valderrama. Ad Fitzpatrick paid the price for going off line on too many occasions, and finds himself eight shots adrift of leaders David Horsey, Min woo Lee, Jazz Janewattananond, Pep Angles and Soren Kjeldsen.

GolfMickelson gets tattoo of his own logo on his hand3 HOURS AGO “I just felt like I got Valderrama'd today,” Fitzpatrick said. “I said to Billy (Foster, caddie) on the last I had six tee shots where I had to chip out sideways and played those at four-over. “Outside of those I played solid enough and played okay.

It is just the way the golf course is, hit it in the wrong spots and you don’t have a shot.” Trailing by eight shots means Fitzpatrick will have to take some risks on Friday, which comes with a health warning at the storied Spanish track. “I need a good one tomorrow,” he said. “It is different for me now, I am behind the eight ball so I need to shoot a low one tomorrow.

“There will probably be a little less patience and a bit more aggressive playing to try and make up a score. “You really have to plot your way around, but when you need birdies you have got to try and do something and we will see what tomorrow brings.” Mickelson gets tattoo of his own logo on his hand 'A hard decision' — Garcia admits it was difficult to give up Ryder Cup chance First Round Leaderboard T1. David Horsey, five-under T1.

Jazz Janewattananond, five-under T1. Soren Kjeldsen, five-under T1. Min woo Lee, five-under T1.

Pep Angles, five-under T6. Adrian Otaegui, four-under T6. Robert MacIntyre, four-under T8.