The Cyprus Open has commenced and already, British Mitch Waite leads the board, with 7-under 64, tied at first place with America’s Johannes Veerman. The event, which takes place at the Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus is expected to be a one-off event, which means we may not get an edition next year as this is supposed to be the first and last. This is also the second event holding in Cyprus this year.

Waite played a very good game, making just two bogeys, and still managed to make such an impressive score. But his game consisted of seven birdies and one eagle. Veerman enjoyed a better day at the course as he sailed to 64 without making a single bogey.

The highest-ranked player in the event, 69th on the OWGR, Andy Sullivan, finished tied at third place with 5 others, including Joel Stalter and Jamie Donaldson. Sullivan was able to make birdies in his last two holes to finish one shot behind the joint-leaders.

Something particularly funny happened when Callum Shinkwin was at his 18th hole. Shinkwin, who finished with two others at 18th place with four-under 67, played a ball that hit a tree and then landed in the lunch bag of a spotter. He was then given a pass to play another short and he made good use of it by making a birdie. German Thomas Detry finished the day five-under 66, tied at 8th place.

Speaking after the event, Waite sounded very optimistic as he was quite appreciative of Day 1. He said, “I’ve just had a good attitude from the beginning of the week. I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain so I just need to get out there – it’s a scoreable track – hit some good shots and see what we get out of it.” The Cyprus Cup would come to an end on Sunday, November 11.

Written by: Leon Osamor