Juan Salama made two eagles in his final four holes to sign for a seven under par 65 and lead by one after the first round of the Danish Challenge Open.
The Spaniard, who is in just his third event of the season on the HotelPlanner Tour, also recorded four birdies alongside just one bogey, in blustery conditions on day one at Odense Eventyr Golf. Salama said it was the flat stick that allowed him to set the pace early and rise to the top of the pack.
“It feels great, the putter was on fire so I’m happy with that and hope I can keep it going this week,” he said.
“I was able to pick good numbers with this wind. There were high winds from the morning until the end of the round, but I was able to keep patient and manage it well today.”
The 36-year-old graduated from the MENA Tour over the winter, using the same pathway as Chris Wood.
He came runner-up in the order of merit on the Middle Eastern Tour, behind the 2016 European Ryder Cup player, and is grateful for the chance he has now earned.
“It was great, the MENA Tour did a really good job to give us the opportunity to be here playing,” he added.
“I am enjoying playing here a lot, and let’s hope I can keep it going for the next tournament.
“I just want to keep focused on each shot and each hole, and try and give ourselves an opportunity on Sunday.”
Swede Adam Wallin and Irish duo John Murphy and Liam Nolan all signed for opening rounds of six under par to sit one back of the round one leader.
In a tie for fifth are Englishman Bailey Gill, American Corey Shaun, Indian Saptak Talwar, German Alexander Knappe, Swede Algot Kleen, Spaniard Javier Calles Roman, and the Danish trio of Jeppe Kristian Andersen, Martin Simonsen and Jonathan Gøth-Rasmussen, the group two back at five under par.
The second round of the Danish Golf Challenge gets under way on Friday morning at 7.30am local time, with Salama teeing off alongside Frenchman Andoni Etchenique and Italian Matteo Cristoni at 9.10am.
