Martin Couvra enjoying challenge of new venue after fast start to title defence in Türkiye

Martin Couvra said he was enjoying the challenge of a new venue as he made a strong start to his title defence at the Turkish Airlines Open.

Having claimed his first professional title at Regnum Carya last year to become a DP World Tour winner, the Frenchman is this week facing a new test at National Golf Club on his return to Türkiye.

The 23-year-old spoke of his growing maturity on the eve of the tournament after a breakthrough debut season on the DP World Tour last year that saw him win the prestigious Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award.

And he demonstrated his undoubted talent, which has already seen him register three tops so far this season, with a bogey-free 68 to sit one shot adrift of early co-leaders Ewen Ferguson and Alejandro del Rey on Thursday.

“It was a good round there," he said. "Really enjoyed it, really nice.

“The tournament is long, we still have three rounds to go.

"I am just happy with my first one here, bogey-free is always good."

This week - the final event of the Asian Swing - sees National Golf Club become the 463rd venue to stage a DP World Tour event.

Among the morning starters, Couvra began his first round off the tenth tee and made three birdies on his front nine.

His back nine was just as precise but he settled for just one further birdie at the par-three second after an exquisite tee shot to tap-in range.

Reflecting on the challenge presented by the course, Couvra said: “I love it to be honest, it’s a nice one to be honest.

"It’s quite different to the other one [Regnum Carya], more technical. I love it, it was really nice.

“You need to hit a lot of different shots, on the tee, irons.

"We have a lot of short irons, so I feel you need to shape the ball really well off the tee and after really focus on the irons."