Frenchman Paul Elissalde takes the lead at the Abruzzo Open

Paul Elissalde (FRA) turned in the best card of the day today at the Miglianico Golf and Country Club  for the Abruzzo Open to finish round 1 with a total score of -9. 

The Frenchman is followed by Raffaele Benatti (ITA) who is one stroke behind at -8 total and by a group of 4 players who are all at -6 total: Leo Lespinasse (FRA), Julien Foret (FRA), Kevin Hesbois (BEL) and Albert Venter (RSA). 

«  My long game was really good, some of my shots ended very close to the pin. I did not have to make any long putts as I was never too far from the pin and therefore I was able to make a few birdies as a result. The wedging up to Iron 7 worked really well for me today » 22-year-old Paul Elissalde explained.

«  I’m going to get ready for tomorrow by praticing my putting and by hitting a few balls at the range. I will try to do the exact same thing as I did today » the native of Biarritz concluded.

Ellisalde made an eagle and 7 birdies.  

After some thin rain showers in the morning, the weather cleared up to let the sun shine. Temperatures were warm and humidity prevailed.

Round 2 will tee off tomorrow at 7h30.