Reitan Dominates Nedbank Challenge with Sizzling 63
Kristoffer Reitan fired a 9-under 63 to grab a three-shot lead after Thursday’s opening round at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa. The Norwegian put on a birdie clinic, carding 10 of them throughout his round at the DP World Tour event.
Reitan, who recently earned his PGA Tour card for the upcoming season, is starting his 2026 campaign on the European tour instead. He’s making his presence felt immediately despite missing last week’s season opener in Australia.
The 59th-ranked player wasted no time making his mark, birdieing seven of his first 11 holes to set an aggressive pace. He added two more at 14 and 15 before his only stumble of the day came at the par-4 17th when he found a fairway bunker off the tee.
But Reitan bounced back in style, holing a shot from the fringe at 18 for his 10th birdie to cap off his stellar round.
“It was a brilliant day — very, very happy the way I played,” Reitan said.
Three players share second place after posting 6-under 66s: Jesper Svensson, Marcus Armitage and Adrien Saddier.
Viktor Hovland, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 13, opened with a solid 69 to stay within striking distance.
