It might not quite be classed as local knowledge just yet, but a growing awareness and an appreciation of links golf helped American Mike Cunning into the lead after the first round of The Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open at Royal Porthcawl. The 51 year old from Phoenix took advantage of near perfect conditions at the iconic south Wales venue to post a superb seven under par 65 which gave him a one shot lead over former Ryder Cup Italian Costantino Rocca with Australian Peter Fowler and Gordon Brand Jnr of Scotland a further shot adrift in third. Cunning played in last year’s tournament but could do no better than 75 in any of his three rounds on his way to a share of lowly 53rd place. But he stored away the information gained on how to play links golf and brought it out to good use on his return this week. http://www.europeantour.com/seniort...124070.html#cunning play sees mike lead wales
