Otto in front in China
Hennie Otto was superb on the opening day of the Volvo China Open, earning a two stroke lead.
The South African carded a scintillating nine-under 63 at the Topwin Golf and Country Club in Beijing, which is hosting its first ever European Tour event.
His flawless round included seven birdies and an eagle on the par five eighth as Otto took advantage of the soft greens and calm conditions.
"I played really well today," the 39-year-old told europeantour.com
"The first hole I saved a good par and I think that gave me momentum. After that I hit it really close. I broke 30 putts this week.
"You have to hit it in the right places and that's the thing I did today. I hit them close, that makes a big difference. I've worked hard on my putting.
"It's a nice golf course. The greens are not what we're used to but we've got a few courses in South Africa with the same type of grass and the slopes so we adapt quickly.
"I've been playing well, I haven't been putting well. I've been working hard on it and today it showed."
Otto, who is searching for his first wins since 2014, is two strokes ahead of Austria's Bernd Wiesberger, with a host of players on six under, three shots off the pace.
One of the highlights of the day was Rikard Karlberg's ace on the 16th, which earns the Swede a brand new Volvo XC90.
Latest
-
NewsJon Rahm celebrates arrival of baby son on weekend before Masters begins
The Spaniard had previously said he would miss the tournament to be at the birth.
-
NewsAndy North backs Bryson DeChambeau to ‘lap the field’ at Masters
North feels the big-hitting American will get his hands on a green jacket in the future.
-
NewsButch Harmon says Rory McIlroy ‘needs to go back to the basic fundamentals’
McIlroy has employed another renowned golf guru in Pete Cowen to help him iron out the flaws in his game.
-
NewsMasters debutant Joe Long savouring Augusta experience after surfing scare
The Amateur Championship winner suffered a torn muscle while surfing in Cape Town.
-
NewsDustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy fighting for form ahead of Masters return
Johnson is the defending champion.
-
NewsThe main talking points ahead of the Masters at Augusta National
Rory McIlroy faces an uphill task to complete a career grand slam after a loss of form.
-
News‘Investigation concluded’ into the cause of Tiger Woods’ car crash
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the details could not yet be released.
-
NewsResurgent Jordan Spieth feeling confident ahead of Masters challenge
For those not qualified, the Valero Texas Open is the last way to get into the Masters.
-
NewsAmerican Nelly Korda taking ‘relaxed’ approach into first major of the season
Korda finished joint runner-up at Mission Hills Country Club last year.
-
NewsWATCH: Robert MacIntyre in seventh heaven after securing Masters invite
The young Scot admits he thought it would probably never happen.