Chilean-born Swede Joel Sjoholm, who counts next door neighbour Thomas Björn as a mentor and friend, grabbed the lead on the opening day of the Credit Suisse Challenge with a scintillating eight under par 65.
Playing in only his second Challenge event, Sjoholm took time out from his studies at Georgia State University to post eight birdies at Wylihof Golf Club in Luterbach, Switzerland, and so establish a one-shot lead over the field.
The 23 year old, who at three months old was adopted by a Swedish family after leaving his native Chile, leads by one stroke from Germany’s Benjamin Miarka and Italian Marco Crespi.
Sjoholm, who recently picked up a cheque for €19,900 after finishing 24th at the BMW International Open on The European Tour, now has his sights set on securing his maiden Challenge Tour title and gaining exemption for the remainder of the season.
He said: “I’m just sitting at home waiting for invites, so hopefully I can win this week and not have to worry about relying on them. It seems far away at the moment, but hopefully soon I can gain a card onto the Challenge Tour and then get onto The European Tour. I had a taste of life was like there at the BMW International Open, after Thomas Björn helped get me an invite, and I loved every minute of it.
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