Thomas Aiken made two birdies on each nine on Thursday to card an opening three-under-par 68 in the first round of the DP World Tour’s Danish Golf Championship at Lübker Golf Resort in Aarhus, Denmark.

His three-under-par 69 put him in a share of fifth, three strokes off the lead which was held by hometown hero Rasmus Højgaard, who had a six-under 65 to start. Højgaard was two shots clear of Frederic Lacroix of France, Germany’s Jannik de Bruyn and Kiwi Sam Jones. Aiken shared fifth with eight other players.

Højgaard made history last summer as he became the first Danish winner of this event, prevailing after a six-hole play-off against Nacho Elvira at HimmerLand.

The tournament has moved to Lübker Golf Resort for this year’s edition as it celebrates 10 years on the DP World Tour schedule, but the change of venue has not put Højgaard off his stride as he stormed to the top of the leaderboard.

Starting from the 10th tee, Højgaard made three birdies on his front nine on Thursday morning before adding an exceptional eagle, two more birdies and a single bogey after the turn to reach six-under-par.

Robin Williams was a shot behind Aiken on two-under, and he was in a share of 14th with, amongst others, Justin Walters.

Oliver Bekker and JJ Senekal each opened with one-under 70, and they were in a logjam in a share of 25th. Jacques Kruyswijk was on level-par, Brandon Stone and Rhys Enoch on one-over, Pieter Moolman on two-over and Casey Jarvis, Deon Germishuys and Ockie Strydom on three-over.

Justin Harding and Dylan Frittelli were on five-over, Dylan Mostert on six-over and Jaco Prinsloo on eight-over.