Scot David Drysdale will look to get into top gear heading to day two of the Asian Tour season-ending PIF Saudi Open in Riyadh.

Drysdale, 48, bogeyed two of his closing three holes in a one-over 72 to be just inside the top-50 but trailing eight adrift of Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat, who signed for a seven-under 64 and lead by two shots.

Super Swede while Henrik Stenson got to the par-4 18th having recorded nine one putts, including one-putting both the 16th and 17th holes for bogeys before sensationally holing his second at the last for an eagle ‘2’ and a score of 70

The Eyemouth attached Drysdale arrived in the Saudi capital proudly assured of earning full 2024 Asian Tour rights but with the Scot naturally looking to end his rookie season on a high.

David Drysdale teeing off the par-3 14th at the Saudi Golf Club – Image Vicky Drysdale

Drysdale said: “I struggled all day. I didn’t play well.

“I just haven’t struck it that well this week, so it was a disappointing day. I just didn’t play well. I could play better. Need to pull my finger out tomorrow.”

Drysdale capped his round at the par-4 fifth hole he was playing as his 14th, in holing out from off the green for a birdie ‘3’.

Fellow Scot Marc Warren also struggled in posting a one-under 71 on day one in wet conditions at the co-sanctioned AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at the Heritage La Réserve course.

Frenchman Antione Rozner grabbed an eagle and 10 birdies in an equal career low score in setting a new course record thanks to his 10-under 62.

Rozner’s effort matched a similar 62 on the final day of the 2021 Omega European Masters.