Record-breaking Ruth storms to commanding lead at Bowood

18/07/2023

James Ruth produced one of the best rounds of his career to break the course record at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort by two shots and take a seven-shot lead on day one of the English PGA Championship.

The defending champion reached the turn in 33 courtesy of three birdies at two, three and nine before the Devon-based pro went on a birdie blitz on the back nine, holing eight birdies, to finish on 11-under-par (61).

Ruth came into this week’s championship in good form having won 10 PGA events so far in 2023 and he currently leads the PGA South West Order of Merit.

Bowood’s Dave Thomas-designed par 72 parkland course is widely regarded as one of the finest and challenging in the south west region, but Ruth was able to make history by beating Adam Keogh’s previous course record of 63, which he shot on his way to winning the same event in 2021.

🏌️ James Ruth produced one of the best rounds of his career to break the course record at @BowoodUK and take a seven-shot lead on day one of the English PGA Championship.

Ruth beat the previous course record held by fellow PGA Professional @keogh1 by shooting 61 (11-under-par).… pic.twitter.com/iV900CHOoI
— The PGA (@ThePGA) July 18, 2023

“It’s a tough golf course so to shoot 11-under-par is up there with one of the best rounds I’ve ever had,” said an elated Ruth. “I didn’t really miss a shot all day.

“I think I may have shot a 60 once in a PGA tournament, but this is a tough golf course so for me to shoot 61 round there is really pleasing.

“The course was playing pretty scoreable. It was quite soft conditions and it was pretty much target golf so if you could hit the ball well you could shoot a low score out there.

“I’ve been playing pretty good all year, I just haven’t been able to put it all together. I shot some really low scores towards the back end of last year. Today I holed a seven-foot putt for par and then I didn’t really miss a shot after that.”

Ruth’s rivals could be forgiven for thinking he may enter this year’s championship with the extra burden of being the man to beat as defending champion, but the 38-year-old, who represented Great Britain & Ireland at last year's PGA Cup, feels his experience eased any added pressure.

He added: “As defending champion you always feel a little bit nervous on the first tee, especially at one of the big events you play in, but I think you learn to deal with it over the years. I’m 38 now so I’m not getting any younger, but I’m a little more used to it now than others.

“The English PGA Championship is one of the biggest events we play in alongside the PGA Professional Championship and winning this event would mean a lot to me.”

Matthew Cort, winner of this event in 2018 at Saunton, and Ben Hall, are Ruth’s closest rivals seven shots back with both players finishing on four-under-par.

Cort approached the turn level par but holed four birdies on the back nine to finish on 68, while Hall finished on the same score after his impressive a bogey-free round.