Austrian-born Bernd Wiesberger was among the early leaders in the $9m Genesis Scottish Open having played their first 18 holes in great conditions at The Renaissance Club near North Berwick.
He carded a 65, five-under-par, to top the leader board at just before 1pm alongside American golfer, Patrick Cantlay, and the Austrian, who came into this tournament after a third-place finish in the BMW International at Munich, is happy with his game.
Weisberger has now moved back into the top ten of the DP Tour rankings, and he is, naturally, happy with his game.
The 40-year-old, who has qualified for next week’s Open at Birkdale, did not make the cut at last year’s event, a competition he won in 2019, and he admitted: “I had not the best of categories the last couple of years.”
Doors have reopened for the golfer which have been shut for a little while and his form this week is in marked contrast to 12 months ago when he missed the cut.
The par-70 course has been altered and the Austrian said: “It was nice to see it go back to the routing I won it on, the golf course gives you chances if you hit the shots.”
He felt “nice and comfortable” on the course and his form lift has come after looking at videos and trying to get that winning feeling back. Confidence, he added, was key to the improvement.
Weisberger said: “I never felt too far away, but it was up to me to get myself into being a solid player and it took a little while. I like to think I am in a position where I feel comfortable and it is nice to start this event so well.”
He enjoys challenging himself in different conditions and said: “The strength of talent we have here is pretty good and I can still compete.”
FLASHBACK: Scotland international Ryan Christie signs for kids at the Genesis Scottish Open on pro-am day. Picture Nigel Duncan
