Ben Stow’s return to competitive golf after a two-year hiatus due to injury was nothing short of spectacular.
The 32-year-old Englishman shot to the top of the leaderboard during the Swiss Challenge, held at Golf Saint Apollinaire, before play was called off due to a waterlogged course.
Opening with five birdies, Stow was sitting at five under par, one stroke ahead of Ireland’s Conor Purcell, Frenchman Benjamin Hébert, and Sweden’s Niklas Lemke, who still had 13 holes to play when the weather intervened.
It was Stow’s first Challenge Tour appearance since injuries sidelined him, but his performance was anything but rusty.
“I played lovely,” Stow shared, clearly thrilled with his comeback. “I drove it really well, and it was crucial to hit the fairways today because the rough was thick and wet.
My putting was great, and that combination got me a few birdies. I’m very happy overall, and it feels great to be back.”
It wasn’t just about the golf, though. After battling injuries for two long years, Stow was soaking in every moment of being back on the course.
“I started so well today, sinking some nice putts. I have a very good old friend and coach on the bag, which was fantastic.”
For Stow, the emotional aspect of his return was clear. “It’s been two years of injuries and really tough times,” he admitted.
“To be back out here, competing and doing what I love, is amazing. Even though it rained all day, I genuinely enjoyed being out there.”
Despite the challenges, the joy of competing at a high level again was evident in Stow’s words.
“It was special to be back, playing competitive golf,” he said. “To have that buzz, adrenaline, and to see my name at the top of the leaderboard again was incredible.”
Stow’s expectations for the week were modest, but his performance on day one certainly exceeded them.
“My expectations coming into this week were pretty low,” he confessed. “I’m just taking it one shot at a time.
Practising well and playing well are two very different things. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and hope I can keep it going.”
As the weather played havoc with the schedule, the first round will continue tomorrow at 8:30 AM local time, with the second round tentatively set to begin at 12:50 PM.
In the meantime, Scotland’s Euan Walker posted a solid three-under-par round of 69, tying for fifth place with Frenchman Pierre Pineau.
Just behind them, a group of six players, including England’s Bradley Bawden and Finland’s Oliver Lindell, are tied for seventh.
With plenty of action still to come, the Swiss Challenge promises more excitement as players like Stow continue their inspiring comebacks under challenging conditions.
