Bryce Easton of South Africa and Jeong weon Ko of South Korea shared the first-round lead at the Swiss Challenge after posting six-under-par rounds of 66 on Thursday at Golf Saint Apollinaire.
The leading duo both carded six birdies in bogey-free rounds to move to the top of the leaderboard and one-shot clear of Spaniard Eduard Rousaud and Scotland’s Bradley Neil, who share third on five-under=par.
Easton was delighted with his opening effort in Folgensbourg and believes accuracy off the tee is paramount with the rough being so thick this week.
“I’m very happy with my round today,” he said. “It’s a good test this week with the rough being up and the greens being firm. I thought anything under par would have been a good score. The tee shot is crucial and if you miss the fairway, you will get penalised for it which is how it should be.
“I’m trying to kick on with a few events remaining in the season. I’ve put myself into good positions this year but haven’t managed to do much with it so I’m really trying to finish the season strong.
“I’ve had a few top 10s but to finish in the top 20 you need to be finishing second or winning tournaments. On the European Challenge Tour you are only ever one week away from moving into the top 20 and I still believe I can get my DP World Tour card.”
Deon Germishuys started strongly with a three-under-par 69 giving him a share of 10th.
