South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli is hopeful of making his solid start count as he goes in search of his first European Tour win in Austria, writes WADE PRETORIUS.

Frittelli, a former University of Texas Alumni, has had a steady season culminating in a near win at the Volvo China Open which came a week after finishing fifth at the Shenzhen International. Now the 27-year-old wants to kick on and make the most of his -2 start at the Lyoness Open in Austria.

‘Today went well and I was happy with how it went. I feel like I played pretty solid golf,’ Frittelli told Compleat Golfer after his practise session after round one at the Diamond Country Club.

‘It was a good off the tee. I hit it decently and I managed to make a lot of pars. Hopefully tomorrow I can take it a bit lower.’

Teeing off the morning, Frittelli was unable to get the flat stick working to the standard which he has become accustomed too and is ready to take advantage of the course if the weather conditions remain the same on Friday.

‘I think the afternoon field had a pretty good run at it and I hope we get a similar chance tomorrow. I am looking forward to a nice long weekend and if the conditions hold then I’m definitely looking to make some birdies and some eagles.

‘Ultimately, I am trying to play some good golf and get myself back into contention.’

Frittelli is currently 25th in the season-long Race to Dubai.