Omega European Masters 2013 Leaderboard: Underdog Performers Overcoming the Odds

This week’s Omega European Masters in the alpine location of Valais, Switzerland, has brought together a mixed bag of golfing greats and minnows alike.

Regardless of status, the European Tour throws even those at the lower end of the standings their chance for success on any of the stops during the Race to Dubai.

In the early stages of the Swiss meeting, it’s the dark horses who have taken matters by the reins and are already doing a great deal to prove themselves on Europe’s biggest stage.

Anirban Lahiri

Having shot a score of eight-under on his opening day, Anirban Lahiri has developed an early lead on the par-71 course and is likely to finish at the head of the pack heading into Friday’s action.

The 26-year-old’s biggest achievement prior to this weekend was a 31st-place finish at the 2012 Open Championship, but triumph this weekend could eclipse even that outing.

Hitting two eagles, five birdies and just one bogey across his opening round, the Indian sensation currently has a two-shot lead over his nearest opponent and puts himself in good stead for the rest of the competition.

Richard Finch

Having failed to break into the top 10 of a European stage so far this year, Richard Finch hasn’t performed all too surprisingly given that he’s currently ranked 424th in the overall world standings.

Having said that, a Day 1 card of 67 puts the Englishman right in the mix, shooting five birdies and just one bogey in his opening 18 holes.

Crans-sur-Sierre is already showing itself to be a cruel mistress to some of those in the European Masters. Finch isn’t among that number just yet.

Brooks Koepka

Brooks Koepka took the initiative with his tour of the Alps this week and shot a first-nine score of three-under to set the wheels in motion for a very impressive Day 1.

At just 23 years of age, the youngster is already taking the golfing world by storm and has competed in eight European Tour events this year, including the Open Championship.

Currently muddled among the top 10, it’ll be a test of the starlet’s will power as to whether such a fine start can be maintained over the course of the weekend in Switzerland.