Joost Luiten keen to continue good form after taking share of lead in Belgium

Joost Luiten is hoping to cash in on his recent good form after taking a share of the first-round lead at the Soudal Open.

The Dutchman shot a six-under-par 65 at Rinkven International GC to sit alongside Spain's Angel Ayora and Canada's Aaron Cockerill.

American Sean Crocker, South African Thriston Lawrence and England's Marco Penge sit a shot further back in a share of fourth on five under.

“I hit some good iron shots and had some solid wedge play,” said Luiten. “On 18, the first, and then a great five on the second hole - picked up three birdies early on, which really gets the round going.

“That’s what you want, especially on a course like this. Every birdie gives you a bit of peace of mind out there. It was nice to go through the turn and keep making birdies.”

Luiten started on the back nine in Antwerp and was three under at the turn after gains from close range at the 11th, 16th and 18th.

A tap-in birdie at the first was followed by another from 11 feet at the second before the first of two dropped shots following a wayward drive on the third.

A birdie at the fourth was followed by an eagle from 27 feet at the fifth, although Luiten – who has finished third in India and fifth in Turkey in his last four starts – bogeyed the sixth after another errant drive led to him taking a drop.

“Let’s hope the form continues,” he added. “I’ve been playing well. I did well in Turkey — finished fifth there — so hopefully I can do even better here and carry that form into the next event, The Open in a couple of weeks. But every week is different, so right now I’m just focused on this one and we’ll see how it goes.

“It definitely helps that I can sleep at home this week. It feels like a home week for me. It’s just over the border — I used to live here in Belgium for three years, so I know this place pretty well. It’s nice to be close to home and playing courses that are familiar.

“I hope that plays in my favour. We’ve got a little boy at home, so it’s really special to see him, put him to bed every night, and sleep in my own bed. Nothing beats that. So yeah, let’s hope it works out.”

HotelPlanner Tour graduate Ayora enjoyed an eventful round, bogeying his first hole of the day before holing his approach from 42 yards for eagle at the next.

Seven birdies and a further two bogeys followed for the 20-year-old, who is hoping to continue his good start on Friday.

“I played very well today. I did everything well - hitting it solid off the tee, striking the ball nicely, and putting well. So I’m happy with that, and I hope I can play the same way tomorrow.

“On 11, I hit a perfect driver. I was a bit lucky with where the ball ended up, but it worked out well.

“The key now is to stay patient and keep a strong mindset, because my game is in a good place. I think if I can stay mentally sharp, I’ll be in a good position.”

Cockerill's progress was more serene as he carded six birdies in a flawless round.

“I played very well today, stress free,” he said. “I don't know if I had a par putt much longer than three feet: a lot of greens, a lot of fairways. I like this course. I've had decent results here last year, so I'm happy to be back.

“I put in a new driver yesterday and hit a tonne of fairways today and it's closer than the results have been. So today was very satisfying. No bogeys. It was an enjoyable day.”