Everything you need to know from day one in Sweden.
Sebastian Söderberg surged ahead, Dylan Frittelli got a belated birthday present, Linn Grant was starring again and Jorge Campillo was giving greenkeepers the heebie jeebies on day one of the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed.
Here is everything you need to know from Thursday at Vasatorps Golfklubb.
Söderberg leads on home soil
Söderberg continued his recent run of fine form to lead the way on home soil. The Swede already had three top tens on the 2024 season when he finished second, second and third in consecutive events to top the Asian Swing and earn a place at the US PGA Championship. He made the cut in his second Major Championship appearance last time out and brought that momentum to Helsingborg, carding a bogey-free 63 to get to nine under and lead by two from South African Frittelli and England's Alex Fitzpatrick. Malaysia's Gavin Green was at six under and, in the event where 78 men and 78 women play in the same groups for one prize fund and one trophy, Ladies European Tour players Grant and Lauren Walsh were in the group four shots off the lead.
Sweet success for Frittelli
Frittelli turned 34 on Wednesday but revealed he had not had a big celebration. "Kept it simple, Wednesday of a golf tournament," he said. "Practice, play nine holes, had dinner with my girlfriend and a nice dessert. I had a cookie with some ice cream so maybe that was the celebration." It certainly did the trick as Frittelli went bogey-free as he looks for a second win of the season.
Grant blazing a trail again
Grant was loving playing at home as the 2022 champion carded an excellent 67. Two years ago, the 24-year-old romped to a remarkable nine-shot victory as she became the first female winner in DP World Tour history. She had fantastic support on home soil that week in Tylösand but that is ramped up even further in 2024 as Helsingborg is her home town. "It was amazing," she said. "I love crowds. It’s always so nice to have. It’s nice to have a group that follows you that really cheers for you. They were cheering for all of us, but it was just that extra support. I’m going to work out in my own gym, which is so nice, and hang out with some friends. Have a barbecue and enjoy some time off before tomorrow. I told (my brother) the best thing is that we can go home. It’s just the best."
A chip-in with a difference
Usually when you make a chip-in it's because you have missed the green. On Thursday, Campillo was chipping in from on the green. Greenkeepers, look away now.
And a slightly more common one
But this was no less impressive from Frittelli.
