Erik van Rooyen produces sensational front nine, notching an eagle and four birdies, during opening-round 63 at Mexico Open to carve out one-shot lead over Sami Valimaki - watch round two from 3pm, Friday on Sky Sports Golf
Friday 23 February 2024 12:02, UK
Erik van Rooyen shot an eight-under-par 63 to take the first-round lead at the Mexico Open.
Scorching the front nine at Vidanta Vallarta with an eagle on the par-five sixth hole and birdies at three, four, seven and nine, Van Rooyen went out in 29
He established a one-stroke lead over Finland's Sami Valimaki, who secured second place by himself with a seven-under 64.
The last time van Rooyen played an event in Mexico he picked up his second career PGA Tour win, at the World Wide Technology Championship last November in Los Cabos.
"I don't know what it is about Mexico," van Rooyen said. "The food is amazing. This resort especially, it's pretty laid back.
"We've got great facilities here, beautiful hotel, so it's just quite a relaxing place and we have a good golf course to boot, so it's always just sort of good vibes."
Van Rooyen stuck his second shot at the sixth hole less than seven feet from the pin and made the ensuing eagle putt.
When he got to the 12th, he showed off with his wedge, chipping from 70 feet away and watching his ball roll around the entirety of the cup before falling for his second eagle.
Valimaki, who started his day on the back nine, drove the green on the par-four seventh hole and converted a 12-footer for eagle.
He said he hurt his wrist on his second tee shot of the day and played through some pain.
"Sometimes I have the same issue like in my backswing, just sometimes feel it like it's hurting a little bit, like a little pain and then I get a bit scared of it.
America's David Lipsky, Sweden's Henrik Norlander, South Africa's MJ Daffue and Chile's Cristobal Del Solar are tied for third at six-under 65.
Playing on a sponsor exemption, Del Solar is competing in his first PGA Tour event since shooting a 57 earlier this month on the Korn Ferry Tour - the lowest 18-hole score recorded at a PGA Tour-sanctioned event.
Del Solar, who made seven birdies and one bogey on Thursday, said: "Just been consistent, just not making very many mistakes, try to simplify just the sport in general."
Among eight players three shots back in a tie for seventh at 66 were Andrew Novak and Cameron Champ.
Defending champion and pre-tournament favourite Tony Finau was tied for 29th after a two-under 69.
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