Rasmus Højgaard started his Danish Golf Championship title defence in earnest as he fired a six under par 65 to lead by two strokes.
The 23-year-old made history last year as the first Danish winner of the event and he opened his bid to win a fifth DP World Tour title with five birdies and an eagle at Lübker Golf Resort.
Currently 20th on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, Højgaard has set his sights on earning a PGA TOUR card and joining his twin brother Nicolai as a dual member for 2025.
Making his first appearance since The 152nd Open last month, Højgaard started his round on the tenth hole and was three under after six. He then reached five under par after an eagle at the first, hitting a five iron to six feet to set up the eagle putt.
The Dane finished birdie, bogey, birdie to sign for a 65, two strokes clear of Jannik de Bruyn of Germany, New Zealander Sam Jones and Frenchman Frederic Lacroix, who carded four under par rounds of 67.
“I’m very pleased with it. It wasn’t easy out there, but I managed to keep the ball in play for most of the round and I holed some good putts,” said Højgaard.
“(Eagle on the first) I hit a little too aggressive tee shot there, it was a bit further left than I wanted it to go. But it’s quite wide on that hole. Hit a five iron in, to be fair, I wasn’t too happy about it. I felt like I left it right but the wind moved it back into the green and it was a good six-foot straight putt.
“I really enjoy it (playing at home). The support was quite good for a Thursday morning. But I always enjoy playing at home. I’m looking forward to going home, having a nice dinner and sleeping in my own bed tonight.
“I’m just going to try and keep the ball in play. There’s going to be some good chances out there, but mostly keeping the high numbers away from the scorecard."
The quartet made the most of the calmer morning conditions as the weather turned in the afternoon, with heavy rain keeping low scoring at bay.
Eight golfers share fifth on three under par, including 2016 Ryder Cup player Rafa Cabrera Bello, Englishman Joe Dean and Denmark’s Søren Broholt Lind.
