NAIROBI, Kenya — Dutchman Darius Van Driel shot 5-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Magical Kenya Open on Thursday.
The No. 366-ranked Van Driel made five birdies as well as a 10-foot putt for eagle at the par-5 10th hole at Muthaiga Golf Club.
Six players were in a share of second place, including Van Driel’s countryman, Daan Huising. The others were Frederic Lacroix, Connor Syme, Tapio Pulkkanen, Ryan van Velzen and Yannick Schuetz.
Rikuya Hoshina, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 77 and the winner of the Qatar Masters two weeks ago, opened with a round of 71.
The European tour returned to Africa after five weeks in the Middle East.
