Paul Barjon under par, behind a duo of co-leaders

Forced to sign a strong performance in one of the last two tournaments of the PGA Tour season to retain his playing rights, Paul Barjon signed a solid first round and moved into the top 30 of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, four shots behind American co-leaders Justin Lower and Hayden Springer (-6). In the same delicate situation as his compatriot, Martin Trainer is satisfied with 80th place above par.

There are only two tournaments left on the PGA Tour to settle the accounts. Paul Barjon et Martin Trainer must shine to grab a place in the top 125, or at least the top 150 of the FedEx Cup for partial playing rights. After eighteen holes of Butterfield Bermuda ChampionshipBarjon is still far from the mark, but the Bordeaux native raised in New Caledonia is only four shots from the lead while the first round was stopped shortly before its end.

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Badly off to a bad start with a double-bogey from hole number 2 and a score of +3 after six holes, Paul Barjon immediately lined up three birdies to finish his first leg and sign a partial score of -5 on his last twelve holes to finish at thirtieth place (-2).

Martin Trainer alongside Miles Russell

Currently 153rd in the FedEx Cup, Martin Trainer must also probably achieve a podium finish to keep his card. The native of Marseille unfortunately played his first round above par, alongside the young 16-year-old nugget Miles Russell (+2, 80e).

Two Americans in the lead

Two Americans took the lead at -6. Second last week in Mexico, Justin Lower confirms his current great form which could finally allow him to achieve his first victory at 35 years old. His compatriot Hayden Springerauthor of a 59 at the opening of the John Deere Classic this summer, also signed a card of 65 to take control of the tournament.

Jonathan Vegas put on a show with a card of 67 and only six pars for the day. The Venezuelan even hit the green (blind) of the par 4 of hole number 10… while Seamus Power was getting ready to putt!

The Colombian title holder Camilo Villegas finished above par after a double-bogey at 15 and a final bogey at 18. We will also remember the performance of the brothers Wesley et George Bryanassociated Thursday with their friend and local player Camiko Smith. Winner of RBC HeritageWesley Bryan signs a nice sixth place, with two holes to play Friday morning.

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Photo Carmen Mandato/Getty/AFP