Gareth Bale is in a strong position after the first round of his PGA Tour debut at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Former Real Madrid midfielder, 33, and professional partner Joseph Bramlett started with a seven-under-par 65 on the Spyglass Hill course.
A highlight of the retired Wales football captain’s round was a salvage shot out of a par to save the par on the second hole.
“It was a great move,” said Bale, who retired from football on January 9.
“I tried to play in the bank and hope for the best, as all amateur golfers would.
“It was nice to see him ride well and close. I also finished him well. Can’t really say much more.”
Bale, who has a handicap of two, announced his retirement from football shortly after leading Wales to the World Cup final in Qatar.
He joins actor Bill Murray, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, actor Jason Bateman and rapper Mackelmore among the 156 fans taking part in the competition, which runs until February 5.
Top participating professionals include English US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick and former grand champion Justin Rose.
Despite playing in front of large crowds in a glittering playing career that included five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, Bale admitted to being nervous at the first tee.
“I think any fan will tell you that,” he said. “Even though we’re used to playing in front of 80,000 or more people on live TV, it’s a completely different sport.
“It’s a good experience, but luckily I had one of my best shots on the first fairway.”
The first three rounds take place on three different courses, including Pebble Beach, Monterey Peninsula and Spyglass Hill. The top 25 pro-am duos in the best ball format will compete in the final round at the Pebble Beach Links course.
