Golf / The 121st Open: Lee scores triumph

WHEN you are recovering from the viral fatigue syndrome, ME, playing golf at all is a triumph, but Darren Lee did rather more than just participate at Muirfield yesterday, writes Guy Hodgson.

The 27-year-old from Wanstead scored 68 to be the day's leading amateur. That was despite the handicap of a sore throat, swollen glands and a lack of energy. Lee, who has slipped from 11st to 10st because of his illness, had an inspired spell from the fourth, with four birdies in six holes to go out in 32. He also had an eagle at the 17th but bogeys at the 10th, 11th and 18th.

'It was the best day of my life,' Lee said. 'My aim now is to play all four rounds.' Lee apart, none of the non-paid broke par although Mitch Voges, the US amateur champion, equalled it. Gary Wolstenholme had a 77, Stephen Pullan a 74, and 19-year-old Michael Welch a 76.