Day one digest: 2021 Cazoo Classic

Everything you need to know from day one in Kent.

Richard roared ahead, Dale was feeling at home, the putts were going in from everywhere and we weren't quite sure what Jamie was doing on day one of the 2021 Cazoo Classic.

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday at London Golf Club.

Bogey free Bland blasts ahead

Richard Bland was eyeing entry into golf's biggest events after he carded an opening 65 to get to seven under and continue his remarkable season. After becoming the oldest ever European Challenge Tour graduate in 2019, he won his first European Tour event at the 478th attempt at the 2021 Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett. The 48-year-old was then the oldest player in history to hold the 36 hole lead at the U.S. Open Championship and hit the opening tee shot at The Open last month. But after his bogey free effort on Thursday, the Englishman is still looking for more. “I want to get to the WGC-HSBC at the end of the year and a big goal of mine would be to get to The Open next year at St Andrews," he said. "I’ve never played an Open at St Andrews." We'll not be betting against you, Blandy.

Whitnell making his mark

It may have taken Dale Whitnell a decade to establish himself on the European Tour but the local favourite revealed he would do it all again after making a bright start on day one. He played just 14 events in ten years after turning professional in 2009 but finally gained his playing privileges at the 2019 Qualifying School. The 2021 Race to Dubai has brought his Rolex Series debut at the abrdn Scottish Open and his biggest payday at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open but he is now looking for a first win after an opening 66. "It took me ten years to get to the European Tour after turning professional and I’d do it all over again, even though there was a lot of heartache and pain in there," he said. “I feel I’m good enough to be here and now it’s just a case of putting myself into my contention, the more times you can do that the better you will be able to deal with it and hopefully this week’s no different.”

Putting the lights out

Calum Hill holed one from 24 feet

Wilco Nienaber holed one from 32 feet

David Howell holed one from 39 feet

And Jorge Campillo did this.

Just the 67 feet. Take a bow.

But some didn't need a putter......

What a shot from Wade Ormsby.

Elvis Donaldson

Thank you. Thank you very much.