Day one digest: ISPS Handa Championship in Spain

Everything you need to know from day one at Infinitum’s Lakes Course.

Johannes and Tapio felt at home, the Højgaards were putting on a show, the groundstaff were working miracles and Jeff was yearning for the baize in the first round of the 2022 ISPS Handa Championship in Spain.

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday in Tarragona.

Pulkkanen and Veerman among leading trio

Tapio Pulkkanen and Johannes Veerman set the clubhouse target as part of a three-way tie for the lead at the end of a weather-affected day one. There was a delay of over two hours in the morning following very heavy rain and thunderstorms but when play got under way, Finn Pulkannen and American Veerman - who both have fond memories of this layout - carded rounds of 64 to get to six under and lead the way. “I came through Qualifying School here in 2019 so I only have good memories about this golf course so it’s nice to come back and play well again," said Veerman, with Pulkkanen adding: "I have played 50 rounds here before because my national team used to come and practise here, so it’s almost like a home course." South African Hennie du Plessis was also at six under with two holes to play as one of 39 players who did not complete their rounds on day one.

Nicolai brings the power

Nicolai Højgaard doesn't see a par-four, he just sees a green.

Rasmus brings the finesse

Incredible hands from Rasmus Højgaard.

Identical twins - different golf games.

The rain in Spain falls..........

............heavily. We had a delay of two hours and 15 minutes on the first morning due to a flooded course after rain and thunderstorms which Jeff Winther described as "nuts". The groundstaff did an incredible job to get us going again and despite more rain for the early starters, we played all the way through to twilight. Greenskeepers are truly the unsung heroes of the game.

Winther going snooker loopy

Spain or Sheffield? The Steel City certainly has its charms but unless you're Danny Willett or Matt Fitzpatrick, that wouldn't be a tough choice at this time of year for most people. Jeff Winther, however, revealed in an on-course interview on Thursday that he would love to be in South Yorkshire this week. "I'm a keen snooker watcher," he said. "I've got a table at home so I really enjoy that and I'm watching the Crucible at the moment." He then joked: "This is in the way of that!"