Nacho Elvira admitted he was left with "scars of war" after finding some unwelcome local foliage on day one of the 2021 Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale.
The Spaniard had a rollercoaster of an afternoon on any level as he carded nine birdies, an eagle, a double and two bogeys in a 64 at The Celtic Manor Resort.
His double came after he found some very heavy rough indeed on the 16th and the 34-year-old revealed he came out on the wrong end of his battle with the nettles.
That's got to sting @nachoelvira87 🤕
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 22, 2021
He shares the lead in Wales after an opening round 64.#CazooOpen pic.twitter.com/gwyEREp07T
"I got stung," he said. "It stung my arm.
"It’s the scars of war. It’s okay."
Elvira is clearly made of tough stuff and will be hoping the tough times are over after making an excellent start following nine missed cuts in his last 11 events.