Rafael Gomez leads the inaugural Shipco Masters promoted by Simon’s Golf Club after carding an opening round of 66 in Denmark.
Gomez, who won the Staysure Tour Qualifying School in February, recorded eight birdies and just two blemishes at the sun-kissed Kvistgård venue in the tour’s first event on European soil this season.
He took advantage of the back-to-back par five finish to overtake four players on five under par late on in the opening round and end Day One as the outright leader.
The Argentinian, playing in his second Staysure Tour event, finished both nines with a trio of consecutive birdies during an impressive six under par first round, earning the 50 year old a one-stroke lead over Peter Baker, Paul Eales, James Kingston and Barry Lane.
Following a fine first day’s work the two-time European Challenge Tour champion is happy with his game – but believes he still has a lot of work to do if he is to challenge for a first Staysure Tour title.
“I’m very happy,” said Gomez. “I played fantastic today. I made two bogeys but I hit my driver great and putted really well.
“I’m very happy with my finish because they are very important holes. I made the birdies at the right times. The last three holes are very important, especially when you have two par fives, so I’m very happy to finish like that.
“The most important thing today was to hit a good drive and get the right line, so I could be close on the greens.
“I’m not thinking too far ahead. I will arrive tomorrow, like normal, and just focus on the golf course and my game, that’s all.”
Behind Gomez is a chasing pack eager to pounce and ready to put their claim in for the inaugural title.
Baker finished early in the afternoon and joined fellow former Ryder Cup player Lane, along with Eales and Kingston, at the top on five under par. The three-time European Tour winner did not drop a shot as he holed five birdies on the way to a five under round of 67.
However, with Gomez a shot ahead, the Englishman was disappointed not to be in a share of the first round lead, especially with the chances he had on his closing two holes.
“I messed up the last two holes really,” he said. “I was in prime position and took two fives, two pars, when I should made two fours. But I’m in a good position around the top of the leaderboard. I’m off early tomorrow so it will be a touch cooler, but it’s been brilliant – the course is good, the weather is good, and the golf is good.”
