Simon Forsström shot a first round of seven under par 64 to take a two shot lead in the $2 million Soudal Open at Rinkven International GC, Antwerp, Belgium on the DP World Tour.
34 year-old Forsström, currently lies 71st in the Race to Dubai Rankings and 429th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). He turned professional in 2009, and won the 2022 Qualifying School Final Stage played over six rounds to earn his 2023 DP World Tour card.
Playing in match 4 off tee one, Forsstrom took advantage of an early morning tee time with the course playing soft with preferred lies in operation on closely mown areas.
Four birdies on the outward half saw him out in 32, and followed by a further three birdies on holes 11, 12 and 13 saw him home in another 32, against a par of 35 over the 6,940 yard layout.
James Morrison, Marcel Siem and Jens Dantorp sat alongside Andrew Wilson on six under following their opening 65s.
Forsström said, ‘Everything went very well.
‘I hit the driver straight, put some shots very close and holed a couple of putts as well. Everything was rolling pretty well today.
The game is pretty good
‘I've been playing pretty steady, making a lot of cuts and a couple of top tens. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and seeing what I can do, I feel like the game is pretty good now.
‘I always enjoyed playing in Belgium when we played here on the Challenge Tour. I like the course because it’s narrow and not so long, so it should fit me well.
‘When I saw it during the practice round I was very pleased with the course, I’m glad I could take advantage of it today.’
Ukrainian amateur
Ukrainian amateur Lev Grinberg, who introduced himself to world golf at this event last year as he became the second-youngest player to make a cut in DP World Tour history at the age of 14 years, six months and six days, opened with a one-under-par 70.
After making three birdies and two bogeys on his home course on day one, Grinberg said, ‘What I learned (from last year) is you always have to stay patient and today I did, which gave me OK results.
‘Some birdies didn't fall in like I wanted them to but hopefully tomorrow they'll go in. I can't wait for tomorrow.’
Dubai based Nico Colsaerts shot a first round 70.
