Justin Walters overcame an early triple-bogey on Thursday to post a first-round total of three-under-par 69 in the Challenge Tour’s Challenge de Cadiz at Iberostar Real Golf Novo Sancti Petri in Cadiz, Andalucía, Spain.
Walters started his round on the 10th, and would have thought he was off to a good start when he birdied the 11th. But he made a seven on the 12th and he had to recalibrate quickly. He got things back to level-par with birdies on 13 and 14 to turn in 36, and then he made four birdies and a bogey on the front nine on his way home.
He was in a share of 15th after the first round, five strokes off the lead which was held by James Nicholas of the United States at eight-under with nine birdies and a bogey. Nicholas led by two from Clement Berardo of France, with Angel Ayora of Spain and Gary Hurley of Ireland in a share of third on five-under.
In a share of 15th with Walters was Wilco Nienaber, who had six birdies and three bogeys on his card for his 69.
Albert Venter, Deon Germishuys and Dylan Mostert were all on two-under in a share of 28th, while Robin Williams was on one-under in a share of 41st with Oliver Bekker.
Louis Albertse battled to a two-over 74 as did Bryce Easton, while Luke Jerling and Tristen Strydom were on three-over.
