Tristen Strydom overcame a double-bogey early in his round on Thursday to post a one-under-par 69 in the opening round of the Challenge Tour’s D+D REAL Czech Challenge for a share of 24th.
It wasn’t just that double which he had to overcome: He also made three bogeys as he ventured into international waters following his win in the Sunshine Tour’s Tour Championship back in April, but two birdies on the front nine, and a typically pugnacious four birdies in a row from the 11th kept him in the fray.
After that run of birdies, he was on three-under and looking a likely challenger for the top spot, but he made bogeys on 16 and 17 to slow his momentum. He was five shots off the lead which was held by Denmark’s Martin Simonsen. The Dane led by one from Jonas Kolbing of Germany.
Also on one-under after the first round was Jacques Blaauw, while Deon Germishuys, who so spectacularly won his maiden Sunshine Tour title last week at Sishen, made three birdies on the front nine, but gave all those shots back with three bogeys on the homeward nine for his level-par 70.
Keenan Davidse was on one-over, Ruan Conradie and Luke Jerling were on three-over and Jayden Schaper battled to a five-over.
