Hennie du Plessis started his campaign in the DP World Tour’s Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Crans Montana, Switzerland on Thursday with a five-under-par 65.
Du Plessis made six birdies and a bogey as he took up his position in a share of 10th, just two strokes off the six-way share of the lead. In front were Nacho Elvira of Spain, Malaysia’s Gavin Green, John Axelsen of Denmark, Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura and the English duo of Matt Fitzpatrick and Eddie Peperell. A shot back were Yannick Paul of Germany, Scott Jamieson of Scotland, and Swedish rookie Ryder Cup hopeful Ludvig Aberg all on six-under.
Du Plessis shared 10th with eight players on a windless day which saw low scoring – 84 players were under-par. Du Plessis started his round on the 10th, and dropped a shot on the 11th. But after that he was bogey-free, with three birdies on each nine.
One shot back on four-under was Erik van Rooyen, who also had just one bogey on his card. He shared 19th with, amongst other, Zander Lombard. Justin Walters and JC Ritchie were on two-under in a share of 46th while Wilco Nienaber carded a one-under 60 for a share of 68th.
Jayden Schaper had a level-par 70 for a share of 85th and defending champion Thriston Lawrence battled his way to a share of 106th with a one-over 71. Lawrence was joined on one-over by Tristen Strydom, Deon Germishuys and Oliver Bekker. Thomas Aiken was on two-over, Ockie Strydom and Bryce Easton on four-over and Daniel van Tonder on five-over.
