Everything you need to know from Thursday's opening round at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
Siem landed two rare birds while Pavon went low on day one of the 2023 DS Automobiles Italian Open.
Here is everything you need to know from Thursday's opening round at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
Siem's sensational eagles
Germany's Marcel Siem produced one of the shots of the day at the par-five ninth, launching his second to within nine feet of the flag before rolling in the eagle putt.
He then curled in an enormous putt from just off the 12th green for his second eagle of the day.
Pavon's brilliant birdie blitz
Matthieu Pavon made a breathtaking start to the week on Thursday afternoon, carding nine birdies and a single bogey to reach eight under par and storm into a two-shot lead. Pavon turned in 29 after reeling off six birdies on the front nine before adding three more gains and one bogey down the stretch to sign for a 63 - his lowest-ever DP World Tour round.
Donald hails green staff
European Captain Luke Donald is in action this week as he takes another look at the venue which will host the 2023 Ryder Cup this autumn. After his first-round 74, the Englishman was pleased with the condition of the course. "I think the green staff here have done an amazing job with the condition of the course and trying to get it in a place that will be quite similar to the Ryder Cup in five months’ time," he said. "We always like to have a little bit of rough when we get to play the Ryder Cup in Europe and I am happy with it so far, the condition is great."
Ryder Cup hopeful Paul shines
Yannik Paul currently sits in the third automatic qualifying place on the European Points List as he looks to make Donald's Ryder Cup team. The German, who is aiming to make his debut in the biennial showpiece, seemed comfortable on the host course on Thursday, signing for an opening 68.
Rasmus almost makes an ace
Rasmus Højgaard very nearly didn't need his putter at the short 13th as his wonderful tee-shot took one hop before bouncing just next to the hole and finishing up five feet past. He would knock in the putt for a third successive birdie.
