Erik van Rooyen made four birdies and just a single bogey on Thursday to open his campaign in the PGA Tour’s World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba in Mexico with a three-under-par 68.
He joined compatriot Dean Burmester, amongst others, in a share of 45th, six strokes behind the leader Will Gordon of the United States. Gordon had an eagle, eight birdies and a bogey in his 62, and that gave him a one-stroke lead over fellow-American Russell Henley. There were four players in a share of third on seven-under, including former Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy.
Burmester made an eagle, four birdies and three bogeys in his first round as he seeks to bed in his new berth on the PGA Tour rather than defending his PGA Championship title on the Sunshine Tour at St Francis Links this week.
Garrick Higgo opened with a two-under-par 69, and shared 64th after the first round with MJ Daffue. Dylan Frittelli battled his way to a one-over 72 and was in a share of 101st.
