A new Tiger leads in Turkish Open as Aussie Gale shines
World number 1964 Tiger Christensen has capitalised on a back-nine hot streak of six birdies to earn a share of the lead in the first round of the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya.
The 22-year-old rookie, who qualified for the British Open in 2023 as an amateur, carded a six-under 65 to end the day one ahead in a three-way tie at Regnum Carya.
Two shots behind was Australian Daniel Gale, who enjoyed his own hot streak, carding five successive birdies between the 11th and the 15th holes to finish with a four-under 67 in joint-sixth place.
Christensen was not the only 'Tiger' in contention, however, as that is also the middle name of South African Robin Williams who joined the German youngster and France's Martin Couvra on six under after he birdied five of his first 10 holes.
Christensen, who turned professional in November after coming through Q-School, was making only his third start on the European Tour, having missed the cut and finished 71st in his previous two.
"I stayed patient all day. The front nine I didn't get it close enough to the hole and then made a good one from the fringe on 10 and hit it really close on 11," Christensen said afterwards.
"I definitely enjoy these tournaments a lot, I'm happy to be here and take advantage as best I can."
The other Australian in the field, Danny List, had a solid start, finishing on two under to lie in joint-24th position.
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