Niklas Norgaard shrugs off injury to share lead at Scandinavian Mixed by one stroke
- Rob Fleming
- 8 June 2023
After suffering a water-skiing injury, Niklas Norgaard from Denmark displayed remarkable resilience as he claimed a share of the lead on the first day of the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed in Stockholm.
Denmark's Niklas Norgaard overcame a water-skiing injury to share the lead after the opening day of the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed in Stockholm.
Norgaard carded an eagle and six birdies at Ullna Golf and Country Club to record a seven-under-par 65 and match the target set by Germany's Ryder Cup hopeful Yannik Paul.
"It was a very weird day because I had no preparation at all," Norgaard said.
"I was home for one day on Monday and went out water-skiing and hurt the back. I was going to fly out here Tuesday and I went to pick up my Trackman to go and fly and I couldn't even lift it. That's how bad it was.
"My girlfriend packed my suitcase and sent me away. I got up here and couldn't do anything. Magically something happened and I feel totally fine now. I just haven't done any prep at all."
Norgaard and Paul enjoyed a one-shot lead over a four-strong group which included England's Dale Whitnell and Thailand's Trichat Cheenglab, the leading female player in the unique event which sees 78 men and 78 women compete on the same course for one prize fund and one trophy.
Defending champion Linn Grant, who recorded a stunning nine-shot victory 12 months ago in Halmstad, had to settle for an opening 72 which included three birdies but also a double bogey on the par-three 16th.
