The PGA of Germany’s Philipp Mejow took early charge of the 2018 Messinia Pro-Am at Costa Navarino in Greece, with an opening seven-under at The Bay Course.

Mejow carded no less than nine birdies on his way to his 63, with just a double bogey at the par-three fifth hole holding him back from going even lower.

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“To play seven-under in the first round of the year under these conditions is pretty cool”, said Mejow. “Today my wedge game was pretty good so I hit a few close and didn’t have to hole long putts…it’s the second time I’ve played here and the area is just beautiful and the courses are really nice.”

Sole second place sits with the PGA of Israel’s Asaf Cohen just two shots behind with a round of 66 on The Dunes Course at Costa Navarino that included five birdies and 13 regulation pars.

Third position is shared between Alexis Szappanos (PGA of Germany) and Christos Nikopoulos (PGA of Greece) each a single shot behind second on four under par. Szappanos had more of an up-and-down round over The Bay Course with seven birdies and three bogeys, whilst Nikopoulos kept things a little steadier with five birdies and a single bogey.

In the Team Pro-Am it was defending Team Champions, Team Boyle, led by PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Professional Stuart Boyle, who made a huge advancement in the first round.

Together with amateurs Achilles Constantakopoulos, Georgios Kyvernitis, and Harris Papadopoulos, Team Boyle made 94 points (-22) for a commanding lead.

Eight points behind are Team Martinez led by the PGA of Italy’s Zeke Martinez, alongside amateurs Juergen Mayer, Timo Schlitz, and Maria Zanchi, with 86 points (-14).

Tied for third in the teams are Team Canonica and Team A. Cohen, both of which made 84 points (-12).

For Full Round 01 Scores Visit http://eur.pe/2018Messinia

For more information visit the Tournament Hub Page (http://eur.pe/2018Messinia) and messiniaproam.costanavarino.com, follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter and search the hashtag ‘#MessiniaProAm’, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.

Find out more about Costa Navarino at www.costanavarino.com.