Nicolas Colsaerts Fires 60 at Portugal Masters - European Tour

Nicolas Colsaerts

THE 18-FOOT BIRDIE PUTT FOR 59 hung on the edge of the 18th hole at Oceanico Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura. Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts stared in near disbelief.

"I thought it was going to be slightly left to right at the end and it kind of went straight and basically just left it hanging," Colsaerts said.

"Too bad. I thought it was a pretty good effort, especially with these dark clouds."

Colsearts tapped in for 60 and the first-round lead at the Portugal Masters. It was the 19th round of 60 in European Tour history. No one has shot a 59, although Colsaerts was determined to break through and nearly did.

"I said to my caddie after I hit a good drive [at 17], 'It's 59 or nothing.'"

Carding four birdies on the opening nine, Colsaerts was out in 31. He then made three consecutive birdies to get to 7 under through 12 holes. The long-hitting European eagled the 315-yard par-4 15th hole. That's when a record came into focus.

"When I made eagle on 15, I knew then that if I birdied the last three, that would have been 59."

Colsaerts parred 16 but then made another eagle at the par-5 17th hole. After his final putt hung on the lip, he signed for a 60, which included a 29 on the inward nine.

The second round has been suspended due to a waterlogged golf course. Despite being 2 under through his first nine holes and 13 under for the tournament, Colsaerts currently trails Alexander Levy by a shot.

Posted by Hodie J