Enoch to join Couvert at lead

France’s Pierre-Ludovic Couvert and Wales Rhys Enoch share lead after first round of inaugural Red Sea Little Venice Open. Both signed for 67, 5 under par, one shot clear of Julien Foret from France and Spain’s Xabi Puig. Last week winner, England’s Andrew Cooley is 7th tie, 3 shots back.

Perfect temperature to play today but the wind gave challenge to the field. The first player to lead was France’s Julien Foret as he teed off early in second group. He said the course offers different options to be played. He shot 68, 4 under, 6 birdies and 2 bogeys.

“I played well. The wind was helping, except on the 12th. This is the kind of course you can adapt your strategy with the wind and the way you play. Either you hit an iron either you drive. I alternate both choice all day and it suited me.”

Another Frenchman walked in Foret’s foot steps to eventually pass him. Pierre-Ludovic Couvert shown big smile as he left the scoring area.

“I have been playing well for some weeks now but my last round last week gave me the confidence I needed to score well. My strength is my iron game. Here on the course, I don’t mind teeing off with 3 iron and hit the green with 6 or 7 iron. Every birdie I holed was close to the flags, no more than 3 meters. I only dropped one shot on the 4th. I missed the green on the left, made a bad chip and did not hole. An ugly bogey!”

A few minutes later, rookie Enoch joined Couvert at -5. Rhys Enoch, 24 year old, recorded a five match win during 2012 Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy and is known for prodigious hitting distances.

“I played really well today. I hit the driver almost every where and I took advantage on short holes. I hit 15 greens and made good pars on 14th and 16th. The only long putt I holed was on 10th, 7 meters.”

His ranking on 2013 Challenge Tour is currently 14th thanks to 5th place in India.

“I guess it can help. When I am on bigger circuit, I know I am not the best player but here, if I do well I can be in the top players. So I suppose in my mind, I feel comfortable.”

The first Egyptian player, Ayman Mahmoud shot 74, 2 over par and is in good position to made the cut.

From Red Sea Jaz Little Venice Hotel
Agathe Séron

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