Alex Norén has been struggling with injury problems in his back, neck, and groin for a longer period, and made his season premiere as late as last week. Therefore, the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, USA, will be the Swede's first major for the year.
And it has at least started well.
Norén mixed and gave during the first nine. But during the last nine holes, the 42-year-old shifted gears.
Four birdies on six holes made him lead alone for a while.
Lost on the "green mile"
But then came "The Green Mile" – as the last three holes are called and are considered one of the toughest finishes in the world – and it took its toll.
Two consecutive bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes made Norén slip, and he finished the round at –3 and ninth place.
I'm incredibly pleased with the play. And today, I thought I hit better from the tee and better iron shots, especially. It's the best I've played in a long time, but I haven't played that much, says Norén to Viaplay.
Åberg 29th
Jhonattan Vegas from Venezuela leads at –7, followed by American Ryan Gerard and Australian Cam Davis, who both went around at –5.
Ludvig Åberg, the tournament's second Swede, made four birdies but also three bogeys, which means a shared 29th place.
The second round starts this afternoon Swedish time.
