Morton Bailey proves instant hit at the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship

Morton Bailey is a name easily remembered – particularly as he was christened after the lead singer of 80s pop band A-ha. But he is also clearly a golfer with which to be reckoned, as the 17-year-old from Hove proved on an enthralling first day of the Justin Rose Junior Telegraph Championship here on the South Course at this sunlit Algarve resort.

Going into the boys’ competition, the brunt of focus was on Dylan Shaw-Radford and Connor Graham, full England and Scotland internationals respectively. Yet while that garlanded duo performed admirably with a pair of 70s, they had to be content to content with a share of third alongside Moseley’s Philipp Krone, one behind Bailey and Jake Wallis on three-under.

If it is possible to be viewed as something of a veteran at a junior tournament, then Wallis plainly fits that bill as he plays for the third time in this championship. And the two-time Yorkshire boys champion signalled his intention to go two positions higher than his third-place finish last year when reeling off six birdies in an impressive opening. 

Yet the surprise of a stunning day at Quinta do Lago was Bailey, who despite winning this year’s West of England Under-18 Open in great style, was not widely fancied against such a high-quality field. 

“It’s a thrill to be up there at the top along with Jake, when in behind there are players of the calibre of Dylan, who is obviously defending this title, and Connor, who is younger than me but  played in the Walker Cup a few months ago,”  Bailey said, after a round featuring seven birdies. 

“My attitude coming here was to enjoy the experience and to try to give the other lads a run for their money. It’s a wonderful platform for me and I want to make my mark. This is a great start.”

Bailey is enlisted to attend Louisiana State University from next summer and has dreams of emulating his heroes Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. And having hit his first shot on a driving range at the age of 18 months - courtesy of his grandfather - he clearly  has the backstory. His name will also be of intrigue. 

“It’s not spelt the same as Morten Harket, the A-ha guy, but my parents did go and see them play and say it is one of the reasons for my name,” he said. “My mum and dad are here with me and it felt good to give them plenty to cheer today. I owe them a lot. Other than my interesting name!”

In the girls competition, Annabel Peaford, the brilliant 14-year-old who plays out of Walton Heath, shot a two-under 70 to take a one-stroke advantage over Isla McDonald-O’Brien, with another full England international in Lili-Rose Hunt on level par. Defending champion Sophia Fullbrook is a shot further back in fourth.

The Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship continues on Thursday and finishes on Friday, Nov 3. Go to telegraph.co.uk/junior-golf for all the latest scores