Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship: Day one digest

Norris hit the front, a great was remembered and Cabrera Bello had some horrid luck on day one of the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship.

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday at Real Club de Golf El Prat.

Norris leads the way

Shaun Norris produced a spectacular eagle on his final hole to leapfrog into the lead in Barcelona. The South African took out his three wood on the ninth fairway and with his penultimate shot of the day put an approach from 244 yards to four feet. The resulting eagle saw him sign for a 64 and sit atop the leaderboard at eight under, one shot clear of Scottish duo Ewen Ferguson and David Law and Frenchman Alexander Levy.  “It was solid,” he said. “I hit the ball nicely all day, gave myself chances, so very happy with where the game is at. I played nicely last week in Japan, had to pop over there to get everything sorted with visas and residency, but the game is solid. I can’t complain this week, very happy where everything is."

Seve remembered

Real Club de Golf El Prat was awash with navy blue and white as the DP World Tour paid tribute to the late, great Seve Ballesteros. The trailblazing Spaniard – winner of a record 50 DP World Tour events – passed away on May 7, 2011 and on the 15th anniversary of that sad day, players across all global tours were invited to wear his signature colours. Ballesteros’ son Javier and brother Manuel were in attendance as Seve was honoured on the first tee, with a picture of the five-time Major champion overlooking the competitors as they got their rounds under way. “Today is a special day, for better or for worse, because it’s been many years since he passed away," said Javier. "However, the fact that he is still being remembered on a golf course and at a tournament in Spain is very special. We are very proud and very grateful." From Monday to Thursday, the flags on holes nine and 18 were dedicated to Seve, and from Friday onwards the flag on hole five will represent his Major victories at The Open (1979, 1984 and 1988) and Masters (1980 and 1983).

Unlucky Rafa

If Rafa Cabrera Bello didn't have bad luck, he'd have no luck at all. First this happens.

Then this.

He'll be hoping for some even-ups in the coming days.

Anything you can do

Speaking of Rafa, he and playing partner Bernd Wiesberger were inseparable on the par-three 11th. What a pair of tee shots.

Couvra's big finish

Martin Couvra was level par after 14 holes and then finished with four birdies to put himself bang in the mix. The pick of his run was this gem on the 16th.