Hebert heads field at Kenya Open

Benjamin Hebert birdied the final hole late in the day to steal the first-round lead at the Magical Kenya Open presented by Johnnie Walker, the Frenchman carding a seven-under-par round of 64 to take a one-stroke advantage ahead of a packed leaderboard at Karen Country Club.

The 34-year-old is a six-time winner on the Challenge Tour but has yet to claim a maiden European Tour title despite a number of agonisingly close calls, resulting in three runner up finishes during the 2019 Race to Dubai.
Hebert, who has twice played at Karen Country Club during his time on the Challenge Tour, got off to a shaky start in Nairobi as he bogeyed the first – but six birdies, including at the 18th and an eagle at the par five 12th earned him a narrow lead.
"It was a fantastic day. I played very solid all day long. It’s been a long time since it has been like this," said Hebert.
"We managed the distance control because it’s very hard here with the wind and altitude. We weren’t too aggressive and a holed some good putts also. It was a good day. "
"In the morning you have to take out ten per cent and in the afternoon it’s closer to fifteen – that’s what we played. And I think we did pretty well."
Seven players shared second place after the opening round on six under par, including Englishman Sam Horsfield – a two-time winner in the 2020 campaign who is making his first start of the 2021 Race to Dubai after returning from a back injury.