The first round of the Rosa Challenge kicked off in Poland on Thursday, and the duo of Alexander Levy and Jens Fahrbring hold the overnight lead of seven-under-par after matching 63s. The duo made the most of calm afternoon conditions in Konopiska to move two clear of South African Bryce Easton, Swede Björn Åkesson, Dane Martin Simonsen and Norwegian Herman Wibe Sekne who share third on five under par.
The leading pair hold two strokes in hand over that group of four, while Dermot McElroy has company in a group of six sitting three shots adrift of the leading two. McElroy started from the 10th and did a lot of his good work on his outward-nine. A bogey-free day sees him three back and in solid shape heading into round two. He heads out at 14.10 for his second day.
“Yeah, I played well today,” reflected McElroy. “Hit most of the fairways, near enough all of the fairways, and hit most of the greens. And I had a lot of chances.” He went on to add that he thought his game was in good shape, “It tells me that my game is under control, em, yeah, I only missed two greens today, which is good. Yeah, I’m playing well and doing everything pretty good at the moment” Ominous words for the pack as McElroy continues to impress on the Challenge Tour.
“It was one of those days when you’re in the zone,” Fahrbring said. “You don’t really think about too much. You aim at the pin and look up and you see your ball straight at the pin. This course sets up for the longer hitters but it’s also important to be in the fairway, so I did that nicely, and then my iron game was really good.” “I didn’t start off great, but after I holed my third shot on the third hole for eagle, I played some really good golf.”
Conor Purcell sits within striking distance after a solid two-under round with five birdies tempered by three handed back to the course on the par-3 fourth as well as the par-fours on the ninth and 11th holes. His early start on Friday will offer the opportunity to take advantage of the morning conditions and scare the top of the leaderboard.
Gary Hurley had an eventful walk around the Konopiska countryside as he carded an even-par day to sit tied for 51st. Six birdies were wiped out by four bogeys and a double, coming on the par-three fourth. He still sits within striking distance heading into round two.
Jonathan Caldwell lies two-over, after having to fight back after a pair of doubles on day one leaving him in a battle. Three strokes gained back will give him confidence as he tries to reel in the leaders on Friday.
Next up sees the Irish duet of John Murphy and Conor O’ Rourke, who sit on three over after matching 73s in the opening day, and both have work to do in order to ensure weekend golf on the Challenge Tour.
One further back on four-over sees Ronan Mullarney and Liam Nolan who sit in the bottom half of proceedings. Both had doubles to contend with during their first round with a pair for Nolan on the par-five 10th and again on the short par-three 17th.
Mark Power finishes off the Irish contingent with a five-over 75 for his opener. The damage was done on the outward nine for Power with four bogeys and a double putting him on the back foot before steadying the ship on his homeward leg. He is among the morning swing as he tries to make amends on round two.