At the Mexico Open at Vidanta on Thursday in Vallarta, Mexico, Erik van Rooyen recorded an 8-under-par 63 to lead the first round.
Van Rooyen finished the front nine in 29 after making birdies on Nos. 3, 4, 7, and 9, as well as an eagle on the par-5 sixth hole. With his six pars on the back nine, the South African combined an eagle, a birdie, and a bogey.
Starting on the back nine, Sami Valimaki of Finland made it to the par-4 seventh hole, where he drove the green and converted an eagle to help earn second place on his own with a 7-under 64.
David Lipsky, an American, tied the third-place group with a round of 6-under 65. Sweden’s Henrik Appelberg was also 65.
Defending champion and pre-tournament favorite Tony Finau was tied for 29th after a 2-under 69.
Among eight players three shots back in a tie for seventh at 66 were Andrew Novak and Cameron Champ.
