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Soudal Open - Day one digest
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Soudal Open - Day one digest

Everything you need to know from day one at Rinkven International Golf Club.

Ukrainian amateur Grinberg starred on his home course once again while Simon Forsström's bogey-free effort saw him lead the way after the first round of the 2023 Soudal Open.

Here is everything you need to know from day one at Rinkven International Golf Club.

Grinberg impresses again

One year on from enjoying a DP World Tour debut to remember on his home course, amateur Lev Grinberg starred again at Rinkven International on Thursday. The Ukrainian became the second-youngest player to make a cut in the Tour’s history at the age of 14 years, six months and six days last year after firing opening rounds of 70 and 69 on his way to claiming the low amateur prize. And history repeated itself on day one as Grinberg shot a 70 which featured three birdies and two bogeys. Playing alongside Europe's Junior Ryder Cup Captain Stephen Gallacher over the first two days, Grinberg will be hoping for another low one on Friday. He said: "We had a good time. It was good getting to know hopefully my Captain for the Ryder Cup. We had good laughs and we both played not bad." Check out this stunning birdie at the seventh...

Flawless Forsström hits the front

Simon Forsström has made a fine start to the 2023 season since securing his DP World Tour card with a two-stroke victory at the Final Stage of Qualifying School in November, clinching three top-ten finishes over the first five months of the campaign. And he was in good form in round one, carding seven birdies and no bogeys in the morning to set the clubhouse target at seven under par. And with none of the afternoon starters able to match his 64, the Swede takes a one-shot lead into the second round.

Home favourite Detry starts well

The bumper crowds were treated to some fantastic golf from their home heroes on Thursday, with Thomas Detry putting on a show. He made five birdies and a single bogey in his 67 to get to four under.

Siem's obedient ball

We know all about Marcel Siem's golfing talents but it turns out he's a pretty good ball-whisperer as well...

The German sits one shot off the lead after opening with a roller-coaster 65 which contained nine birdies, a double bogey and one bogey.

Morrison enjoying life at Rinkven International

James Morrison produced a spotless display as he began the week with a 65 to sit in a tie for second place. He feels this week's course suits him. The Englishman said: "Length isn't one of my strengths but you come here and kind of lick your lips a little bit and think 'I can win around here and I can do well around here'. It's a matter of maintaining that precision and ticking along."

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