Justin Walters was one shot behind leader Ross McGowan after the opening round of the Made in Himmerland tournament.
The South African’s bogey-free round, which included eight birdies, saw him finish the day on eight under along with Ewen Ferguson, Matthew Southgate, Rasmus Højgaard and Marcus Helligkilde.
McGowan, meanwhile, swooped late in the day to take a one-shot lead.
The Englishman started his round at the 10th, got off to a flyer with an opening birdie and five more followed before he leapt into pole position by chipping in for eagle at the par-five 8th and tapping in for birdie on his final hole.
That blistering finish allowed him to sign for a nine-under-par 62.
“I’m very happy with that round, hit the ball close early doors and left myself a few birdies from four or six feet or so,” said McGowan.
“Back nine I hit a couple of loose ones but got away with them. I ended up just in the collar on 8 and missed my second shot short right but managed to chip it in for the eagle and then 9, there’s quite a big slope on that fairway so found the semi, and managed to get it close again.
“I felt like it’s been getting better the last few weeks but it’s nice to finally put a round together and hopefully I can keep it going for the next three days.”
– Edited report from DP World Tour website
