PGA of Czech Republic Professional Petr Skopovy got his week started in style after carding a four-under-par 68 in Round 1 of the 2013 UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe.

Skopovy’s steady round at Pravets Golf & Spa Resort in Bulgaria included 7 pars and 2 birdies on the front-nine and only one blemish bogey on the 14th, and has edged the Professional ahead by one shot going into Round 2.

“I played really well, I haven’t played like this for a long time so I really enjoyed it…it was a very good day,” said Skopovy (pictured right) of his performance. “The course is beautiful, it’s my first time here and I really enjoyed it.

“It means a lot to me to represent the PGA of Czech Republic out here – it’s a very nice thing when you have the chance to represent your country and it means that you are doing well at what you do.”

Three players are tied for second place – Andrew Hastie (PGA of Holland), Marin Stahan (PGA of Croatia) and Brian Lee (PGA of Wales) all carded three-under-par 69s in temperatures approaching 30 degrees.

“I played very nicely, drove the ball well and putted quite well too,” said Australian-born, Hastie. “I’m enjoying the course, it’s especially a good driving test so if you get the ball away well off the tee then it makes things a bit easier, but the greens are quick and sloping so you still have to be careful.”

Wales’ Brian Lee added: “I was looking for anything under par today – it’s a tough golf course, it’s set up well and the greens are quick. I tried to play cagey and keep it on the short stuff and at least try and control the ball into the greens as it’s extremely firm…overall I’m very happy.”

Four players are tied for fifth place on two-under-par, whilst over half of the field remain only five shots back from the lead with another three rounds to play.

Full Round 1 results can be found here: http://eur.pe/17vapHk.

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For more information on the 2013 UniCredit PGA Professional Championship of Europe visit the Tournament Hub Page, follow @PGAsofEurope and search #PassportToPravets on Twitter, or like the Confederation of Professional Golf Facebook Page.