Darren Fichardt overcame two bogeys on Thursday in his opening round of the DP World Tour’s Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales, to card a two-under-par 69.
He dropped shots on the second and the 16th, but four birdies on the back nine saw him finish in a share of 10th after 18 holes. That was just two shots off the first-round lead which was shared by France’s Julien Guerrier, Connor Syme of Scotland and Englishman Dale Whitnell. They led by one from six players on three-under, including Eddie Pepperell who is returning to form.
Louis de Jager had an opening one-under 70 for a share of 15th, while JC Ritchie signed for a level-par 71 and was in a share of 35th. Bryce Easton and Jacques Kruyswijk were on two-over 73, with Jacques Blaauw, Brandon Stone, Wilco Nienaber and Oliver Bekker on three-over.
