Charl Schwartzel shrugged off an indifferent Open Championship to sit just one behind after round one of the Porsche European Open in Germany.
Schwartzel carded an eagle, four birdies and a single bogey to sit just one stroke behind leaders Richard McEvoy and Julian, but it could have been a different story for the South African, who very nearly finished his first round in style.
Heading to the long ninth – his last – on four under par, 2011 Masters champion Schwartzel hit the flag from 287 yards with his second shot, but instead of dropping in for an albatross, the ball landed 25 feet from the cup.
The 32-year-old came within inches of holing his eagle putt, but had to settle for a tap-in birdie to sign for an opening 67.
‘On 18 I hit a fantastic shot, and then finishing off today on nine I hit the flag again with two fairway woods and that doesn’t happen very often, but you know I played well this morning,’ Schwartzel said.
‘I felt like early this morning was a bit difficult, and when we made the turn the sun came out, and balls starting going a little further, which you do need on this golf course. It’s a monster.’
South Africans after day one:
Photo: Tony Marshall/Getty Images
