Evans makes solid start

The Staplecross-based professional finished tied 37th in the Barclays Kenya Open at Karen CC, Nairobi, last weekend with a one-under-par total of 287.

Evans began with a one-over 73 last Thursday containing two birdies and three bogeys before a second round 71 featuring four birdies and three bogeys got him back to level.

He began his third round with two birdies in his first three holes and another at the ninth took him out in a two-under 34, but three dropped shots on a frustrating back nine, two of them on the last two holes, meant Evans had to settle for another 73.

Evans made an even better start to Sunday’s final round with three birdies in his first four, although bogeys at six and seven meant he reached the turn in 35.

Birdies at 11 and 15 were offset by dropped shots at 16 and 17, but a further gain at the last gave him a round of 70 which left Evans just the right side of par.

The 27-year-old is back on Europe’s second tier circuit this year courtesy of finishing fourth on the Alps Tour order of merit in 2013. Evans, of Rye and Sedlescombe Golf Clubs, was a regular on the European Challenge Tour from 2008 until 2012.