By Michael Vlismas for Sunshine Tour
Oliver Bekker didn’t drop a shot on Thursday on his way to an eight-under-par 64 in the first round of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at Mont Choisy Le Golf.
Even that wasn’t good enough for the lead as Finland’s Sami Välimäki produced a masterful putting display on his way to a bogey-free course-record 10-under-par 62 and a two-stroke lead over Bekker. On a day of intermittent rain but not much wind, Välimäki bettered the previous course record of 64 set by South Africa’s Jayden Schaper.
Frenchman Pierre Pineau had set the morning target with his seven-under-par 65, and South Africa’s JC Ritchie was fourth with his 66, and Niklas Lemke of Sweden, Christoffer Bring of Denmark and Jeong Weon Ko of France shared fifth on five-under 67.
“It was a really nice round. I putted very well and made long putts which I haven’t made in the last few weeks. It was nice to get it rolling like I did today,” said Välimäki, who finished second in the recent Joburg Open.
Välimäki and Bekker played together and it was an exhibition of great golf between the two professionals.
“Oliver played great as well so we kept making putts and enjoying the day. I feel like I found a rhythm and speed for these greens and that was the key for the day. The heat wasn’t bad today as well because of the rain. I’ll just keep grinding and hitting good shots to give myself opportunities.”
Bekker was certainly impressed by what he saw in his playing partner’s game.
“It was unbelievable golf. I think we certainly pulled each other along. It was good fun out there. We were quite relaxed even during the rain. Sami is obviously playing some great golf and hopefully in the second round we can keep pushing each other.”
Bekker has always enjoyed Mauritius and this tournament. “I generally play well here. I’ve played every AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open and I’ve had several top-10 finishes. I feel comfortable playing here and it showed again today.”
European Ryder Cup hopeful Thomas Detry made a solid start with his opening four-under-par 68. The local Mauritian challenge is also looking good after an opening 72 from Vishnoo Seeneevassen.
