The 22-year-old Nienaber held the lead after round one at Iberostar Real Club de Golf with six-under-par 66.

Nienaber carded bogey free round with four birdies and an eagle on the 2nd to lead by a single stroke.

Nienaber was the only play in the top-18 to tee off in the afternoon as the wind made life difficult for golfers later in the day.

“I'm really pleased with my round. Six under in any competition is nice and I didn't make a bogey today either, so it was quite nice.

“It wasn't easy, I just try to keep the ball in play low off the tee and in between the trees. As soon as it got above the trees it got really tricky.

“That was the game plan.

“It was tough. Par threes without wind are really good par threes on this golf course, I think I had one downwind so it was really tough hitting low four irons and trying to control that while not really feeling that on the tees because you’re so sheltered. I’m really pleased with the score.”

Jeremy Freiburghaus of Switzerland was a further stroke back on five-under-par 67. while seven players were in a share for third on three-under-par 69.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport