Stephen Gallacher opened the Staysure English Legends with a bogey-free 7-under-par 65, earning a two-shot lead at Chart Hills on Friday.

The four-time DP World Tour winner made seven birdies to finish clear of Lee Westwood and Mikael Lundberg, who share second after rounds of 67. David Drysdale, Peter Baker and Van Phillips are another shot back following 4-under 68s.

Gallacher, who is seeking his first Staysure Legends Tour title, sits third in the Order of Merit. With standings leader Jamie Donaldson absent this week, the Scot has an opportunity to reduce the deficit in the season-long race.

Gallacher pulls clear with flawless 65

Gallacher and former Ryder Cup teammate Westwood set the early pace after both birdied the par-5 1st and 5th holes. Gallacher then struck his approach to three feet at the 6th before further gains at the 8th and 9th took him through the turn in 31.

Westwood joined him on 5-under with birdies at the 6th, 9th and 10th, but dropped his only shot at the par-3 11th.

Drysdale briefly drew level with Gallacher, who reclaimed the lead with a birdie at the par-5 12th. Drysdale bogeyed the next and Gallacher extended his advantage at the 16th, then completed his 65 with two closing pars.

“I’m really happy. No bogeys, which is always good,” Gallacher said. “It’s going to get windy over the weekend, so it was a good chance to get a good score in early. When it’s only three rounds, you’ve got to try and get off to that fast start.”

Gallacher goes low on day one 🔥⁰

Stephen Gallacher opens with a brilliant 65 to lead the way after round one at the Staysure English Legends.#StaysureLegendsTour #StaysureEnglishLegends pic.twitter.com/ofD7E2LBUU

— Legends Tour (@euLegendsTour) August 28, 2026

Westwood starts strongly on Tour debut

Westwood recovered from his bogey at the 11th with a birdie on 14, signing for a 5-under 67 in his first competitive Staysure Legends Tour appearance.

“I played nicely,” Westwood said. “A lot of good putts didn’t go in, but I gave myself a lot of chances for birdie and hopefully they’ll start going in tomorrow.”

Lundberg reached the turn at level par before producing seven birdies on the back nine. A bogey at the last limited him to 67, but his inward 31 put him alongside Westwood in second place.

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley opened with a one-under 71 and shares 15th place.

Debut day delivered 👏

Lee Westwood signs for a five-under 67 in his first Staysure Legends Tour round.#StaysureLegendsTour #StaysureEnglishLegends pic.twitter.com/djBXVxkulw

— Legends Tour (@euLegendsTour) August 28, 2026

Chart Hills rewards Gallacher’s strategy

Chart Hills, the Sir Nick Faldo-designed Kent course, demands careful positioning through its sloping fairways and extensive bunkering. The venue’s strategic features were central to our tournament preview.

“It’s a brilliant design,” Gallacher said. “You’ve got to hit it both ways and you’ve got to think out there as well. You can’t overpower it. I managed my way around the course really well.”

Gallacher will carry his two-shot lead into Saturday’s second round, with stronger winds expected during the weekend.

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