IT WAS “not the best” start to life in golf’s professional ranks for Lewys Sanges after the Celtic Manor star finished tied for 37th at the Penina Classic on the Portugal Pro Tour.

Sanges opened with a two-over-par 75 in the first round on the Algarve to sit tied for 29th going into the second 18 holes.

He was disappointed with that return on day one and the emotions were very similar following round two, with the Welshman carding a four-over-par 77.

Newport amateur Callam Morris matched Sanges’ score in the first round and went one shot better in the second to finish the tournament in 35th place.

“It was always going to be an interesting day,” said Sanges after the first day of competition. “You only have one first round as a pro, and that was mine.”

Morris played steady golf and feels he is in decent form for this early in the season.

“These events in Portugal are great for some pre-season practice,” he said. “The courses are awesome and the weather has been amazing.

“I’m really looking forward to the 2020 season.”

The Penina Classic was a good opportunity for the two men to get some competitive golf under their belts having not had many chances to do so since October.

Sanges added: “It was not the best finish, but I hadn’t got much golf in back at home over the last two months, so hopefully I’m finding my feet now ready for the next one.”

Both players got some practice in over the weekend in readiness for that next one, the 54-hole Palmares Open, which starts on Monday.

“I really enjoy the challenges of Palmares, it’s a fantastic course,” said Sanges.

Morris said: “The course here at Palmares is outstanding and the weather has been stunning.

“I’m really looking forward to this week.”