12-year-old golfer shoots 79 on European Tour debut

TIANJIN, China — Twelve-year old amateur Ye Wocheng created history by becoming the youngest player ever to compete in a European Tour event, firing a score he'd prefer to forget.

Ye had a 7-over 79 on Thursday in the first round of the Volvo Open, including eight bogeys and one birdie.

He was 11 shots behind the clubhouse leading duo of Raphael Jacquelin of France and Thailand's Kiradech Aphinbarnrat, who were among the early starters and each carded 68s.

While Ye struggled, his 16-year Chinese compatriot Dou Zecheng carded an impressive 70.

Dou, who contested last year's US Junior Championship, had four birdies and two bogeys to be the leading amateur in the field.