Evans leads Czech Masters
Ryan Evans of England shot an opening round six-under-par 66 in Prague on Thursday to lead the Czech Masters by one stroke.
Tour rookie Evans bogeyed the eighth but had birdies on the second, fourth, fifth and ninth holes and followed that up with birdies on the 10th, 12th and 18th for his 66.
"There's a first time for everything. I'm not going to think about it too much tomorrow, I'm just going to stick to the game plan," said Evans after his round.
A shot back is defending champion Thomas Pieters of Belgium and Swede Peter Hanson. The three players had been tied for the lead until Evans birdied the par-four 18th.
"I'm satisfied with where my game is at but last week was a little bit of a disappointment," Pieters told reporters.
"Finishing fourth at the Olympics is quite an achievement as well though so I'm also pretty pleased."
A double bogey on the eight cost Pieters who could have led had he not dropped those shots, Hanson was unblemished in his 67 with five birdies.
A shot back is on four under is English duo Robert Coles and Graeme Storm, Scott Jamieson and Craig Lee of Scotland, Wales' Bradley Dredge, Robert Karlsson of Sweden and Denmark's Jeff Winther.
A total of 32 players, including England's Lee Westwood, John Daly of the US and Scotland's Paul Lawrie, are within four shots of leader Evans.
Latest
-
NewsCarefree attitude helps Andrew Johnston card 66 at the BMW International Open
His first-round score included six birdies and no bogeys.
-
Matt CooperRejuvenated Paul Casey all set to challenge again at TPC River Highlands
The veteran Englishman is absolutely flying as he prepares to tee it up in this week’s Travelers Championship.
-
NewsEuropean vice-captain Martin Kaymer will use role to test water for leadership
Kaymer and Graeme McDowell were appointed vice-captains on Wednesday.
-
NewsViktor Hovland eager to learn from Martin Kaymer and Sergio Garcia in Munich
Hovland withdrew from the US Open after getting sand in his eye during practice.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington appoints Kaymer and McDowell as Ryder Cup vice-captains
McDowell was also a vice-captain under Thomas Bjorn for Europe’s victory at Le Golf National in Paris in 2018.
-
News5 things you may not know about US Open winner Jon Rahm
The Spaniard is celebrating a first major victory.
-
NewsJon Rahm believes setting example for his son helped him make major breakthrough
Rahm won the US Open at Torrey Pines on Sunday.
-
NewsRory McIlroy looking on the bright side despite extending winless run in majors
The 32-year-old finished tied for seventh in San Diego.
-
News‘Power of positive thinking’ behind US Open success, Jon Rahm says
Rahm became the first Spanish player to lift the title.
-
NewsUS Open day four: Jon Rahm stuns with triumph at Torrey Pines
Rahm became the first Spanish player to lift the title and also returned to the top of the world rankings with the victory.