Kim starts hot in Italy

Joon Kim of Italy Credit: Tristan Jones

Italy’s Joon Kim signed for flawless 64, -8, to lead the 2015 Servizitalia Open by one stroke. Spain’s Gerard Piris had one dropped shot for a 65 card, third tie France’s Julien Gressier and Matt Pavon who both signed for 66.

The sun was very generous on the course of Golf Club Lignano during opening round of the last event on Alps Tour before summer break. It was very hot and most of the players had to suffer from the heat. But the scores were really good and the projected cut is already -2 after only 18 holes.

The challenge this week is to stay or to enter the Top 6 of the Alps tour ranking to avoid playing the Stage 1 of European Tour Q School to go straight to the stage 2. In case of a win, Joon Kim could enter the ranking but it is not only on his shoulders as the others players will battle to earn precious points.

Piris as well, winner in Italy in May, could as well get his exemption in case of a win. But the path is still long to the final results and birdies are no numerous on this course that the odds are very tight among all the players.