Austrian-born Bernd Wiesberger and Frenchman Benjamin Herbert share the lead on seven under par after the opening round of the Porsche European Open at Bad Griesbach in Bavaria, Germany.
Wiesberger, the reigning French Open winner, carded seven birdies in his flawless opening round, including a vital seven foot putt at the 18th to match the clubhouse target of seven under par set by Hebert.
The Austrian started brightly, making gains at the third, eighth and ninth holes to reach the turn in 32.
Austrian Bernd Wiesberger reacts to holing a birdie putt at the last to grab a share of the lead on day one of the Porsche European Open – Picture: Golffile | David Lloyd. .
After picking up another shot at the par five tenth, Wiesberger safely parred the next four holes before successive birdies at the 15th and 16th propelled him up the leaderboard
The 29 year old then held his nerve at the last, holing his birdie putt to join Hebert at the top of the board with four players tied in third place at six under par.
Hereunder is comments from both Wiesberger and Herbert along with visiting American Hunter Mahan.
Bernhard Langer (GER) and Hunter Mahan (USA) shake hands after two successful rounds during the First Round of the Porsche European Open 2015 played at Golf Resort Bad Griesbach, Bad Griesbach, Germany. 24/09/2015. Picture: Golffile | David Lloyd
Bernd Wiesberger – 64 (-7)
I felt really good coming into this week. I played good golf last week and I dragged that into today as well, so I’m happy with the way I started this tournament. I hit the ball pretty good so few courses wouldn’t suit me right now. There’s not often you can say that but I felt in control of my ball flight and yardages. I had a few hiccups on the greens but you can’t have it all.
You can see low scoring out here and perfect conditions so you need to take advantage of that and keep up. We had some great support out there today with Hunter and Bernhard. It was nice out there for all of us and we did feed off each other on the back nine where you feel you have to produce a good score.
Benjamin Hebert – 64 (-7)
It was a great day. I played very well. I have played well for three weeks now but made some mistakes. Today I managed the course well and didn’t have any mistakes, so it is a good way to start the tournament. I started well and also had a good start to the back nine.
I’ve played here two times already on the Challenge Tour and it is a good course. It was in great shape this afternoon and tomorrow the greens will be perfect in the morning. It does help playing here before. I know the course well. I know where we can be more aggressive and where to play easier. It’s a good advantage.
I haven’t secured my card yet so I need to be focused on my game and I’m quite happy. When you feel good you just have to relax. This tournament is a good money tournament and the next two weeks with the Dunhill and British Masters, so I hope to continue this form and we will see at the end of the year.
Hunter Mahan – 66 (-5)
I’ll take this every day, five under is a solid start. I’m excited to be here at the Porsche European Open and if I keep this up I’ll be happy.
It was a great patch just after the turn for me. I was just getting a sense on the greens on the front nine. I had some good opportunities but just didn’t make them and then on the back nine I had some good looks, and some good putts for birdies and rolled them true. I had a couple of good breaks and a good stretch there which propelled me to five under.
It was great to play with a German golfing legend like Bernhard Langer. He’s a great competitor. He doesn’t enter an event unless he thinks he can win. He still has great skill and drive at his age. It’s very impressive. It’s neat just to be around him.
