Mark Power posted a sublime eight under par round of 64 to claim the first round lead of the Vierumäki Finnish Challenge supported by Finnish Golf Union at Vierumäki Resort.
The Kilkenny man, starting from the tenth, carded four birdies on his front nine to make the turn at four under, before an eagle, three birdies and a single bogey coming in moved him one clear of Frenchman Clément Berardo.
The 24-year-old’s opening 64 was the lowest of his Challenge Tour career and he credits a combination of his driving and putting for being able to go as low as he did.
“It was a good day out there,” he said. “Eight under is my lowest round in a long time and the conditions were beautiful out there. I got off to a great start and thankfully I was able to keep the momentum going.
“It’s important to get the ball in play and hit the fairways around this course because the greens aren’t too firm, and they are rolling very nice. If you can put yourself in positions to attack the pin, you can make a lot of birdies out here.
“Driving and putting was the strongest part of my game today. I’ve been pretty good off the tee this year and recently my putter has been getting hot and I’ve started to see them drop. I’m very confident at the minute which always helps.”
Power is currently 118th on the Road to Mallorca Rankings but has seen an upturn in form in recent weeks, including a tie for 11th at the Irish Challenge, and is now starting to feel the confidence growing in his game.
“I played really well in Ireland a couple of weeks ago at The K Club and confidence is definitely high for me at the moment,” he said. “I’m in a good space out there and hopefully I can capitalise on this good start today.
“I’m focusing on securing my Challenge Tour card for next season and then hopefully have a full schedule of events next year. I know my game is good enough to compete out here.”
Third place is shared by 12 players on six under par, including Englishman Jack Senior, Welshman David Boote, Australian Hayden Hopewell and Spain’s Alejandro Aguilera.
Conor O’Rourke overcame two bogeys in his first five holes to card a two-under round of 70 that leaves him just above the provisional cutline, while Cormac Sharvin and Daniel Mulligan each sit the other side after matching rounds of -1.
John Murphy has it all to do as his opening 76 leaves him well down the field and needing something special to see weekend action.
The second round will get under way at 7:30am local time, with Power teeing it up alongside England’s Josh Hilleard and Austrian Max Lechner at 2:20pm.
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