Staff WriterVictor Sidal Svendsen lit up Fontanals Golf Club with an eight-under-par 63 to claim a one-stroke lead after the opening day of the Challenge de España.
From the moment he stepped onto the tenth tee, the Dane’s relentless birdie barrage set the tone for what quickly became a must-watch contest at the Challenge de España.
A Birdie Bonanza in Girona
Sidal Svendsen wasted no time stamping his authority. After two safe pars on his first two holes, he rattled off seven birdies in eight holes—including a sizzling run of five in a row from the 12th—to seize the clubhouse lead.
The 26-year-old added gains at the fourth and sixth, then weathered a hiccup double bogey on the eighth before closing with a cool birdie to sign for 63.
“I would’ve taken that score any day of the week, so I’m really happy,” he said. “I made one mistake but that doesn’t matter as the rest was good.
“I hit some good shots on the first couple of holes, and then I holed about a 55-foot putt.
Otherwise, it was just good shots and good putts which was nice.
“Being good off the tee and a burning hot putter were the key I’d say.”
From Nordic Roots to HotelPlanner Tour Success
This fabulous first-round showing caps off a fast start to Sidal Svendsen’s first full season on the HotelPlanner Tour, having graduated from the Nordic Golf League in 2024.
Currently 30th in the Road to Mallorca Rankings, he’s racked up two top-ten finishes in four starts this year and is brimming with confidence ahead of the weekend.
“Last year was my second season on the Nordic Golf League and I got off to a hot start, winning the first event of the year,” he added. “I hit a bit of a low spot for a few months, then I won two in a row to get out here.
“So far, this season has been really good. I didn’t get into the South Africa events, so it was nice to get off to a good start afterwards.
“I’m really pleased with where my game is. I don’t need to get ahead of myself, and I’m just trying to be present and control what I can control.”
A Crowded Chase Pack at Six Under
Hot on his heels are Spain’s own Luis Masaveu and Slovakian Žan Luka Štirn, each a shot behind.
They share the spotlight with seven other players sitting six under par: Frenchman Clément Charmasson, Sweden’s Oliver Gillberg and Albin Bergström, Germany’s Anton Albers, Spaniard Javier Sainz, Finn Lauri Ruuska, Scotland’s Euan Walker, and the English duo Alfie Plant and Tom Shadbolt.
What’s Next at Fontanals Golf Club
The second round of the Challenge de España tees off tomorrow at 8:00 am local time. Sidal Svendsen will chase his maiden Tour win alongside American Chase Hanna and Spaniard Víctor García Broto, teeing off at 8:30 am.
With the leaderboard tightly bunched, expect fireworks as the tournament stakes rise.
Whether you’re a passionate golf follower or simply looking for a thrilling leaderboard narrative, the Challenge de España is delivering drama from the very first hole.
Keep an eye on Sidal Svendsen—he’s got the hot putter, the form, and the flair to make this week one to remember.
