Manuel Elvira birdied his final three holes to climb into the lead after the first round of the Bain's Whisky Cape Town Open.
The Spaniard posted a bogey-free six under par 66, which included an eagle and four birdies, to move one-shot ahead of Englishman Bradley Bawden and South African Jared Harvey, who share second place at Royal Cape Golf Club in the first event of the 2023 Road to Mallorca.
The 26-year-old has been working hard during the off-season and he was pleased to reap the rewards with a flawless opening round in the Mother City.
“I’m delighted with the way I played today and it’s always nice to start the season with a low round,” he said. “I finished with three birdies in a row which was nice.
“It’s important to play well all year but getting off to a good start gives you the confidence that you have been putting in the correct work over the winter.”
Elvira, who finished 56th on the 2022 Road to Mallorca Rankings, believes his game is in a strong place at the start of the campaign and is setting his sights on a place in the top 20 on the Rankings to join brother Nacho on the DP World Tour in 2024.
“It’s been very cold in Spain during the winter and now I’m playing in 25 degrees,” he said. “It has been a big adjustment but I’m loving it out here.”
“I’ve been working hard in the gym and playing as much as I can. It’s been a good pre-season and I’m feeling prepared for a big season this year.
“I’m going to stick to the game plan tomorrow, which means I’ll be aggressive and attack pins when I have the opportunity but still play conservative golf where necessary.”
Englishman Alfie Plant made a hole-in-one at the par-three 13th hole as he moved into fifth position on four under par alongside South African Brandon Stone, American Clancy Waugh, France’s Victor Riu, Spaniard Victor Pastor Rufian, Zimbabwe’s Benjamin Follet-Smith, German Velten Meyer and Irishman Conor Purcell.
Eight players, including Frenchman Ugo Coussaud and Welshman David Boote share 12th place on three under.
The second round of the Bain's Whisky Cape Town Open will begin at 6:45am local time, with Elvira teeing it up alongside Riu and Englishman Ashley Chesters at 12:15pm.
