Adri Arnaus today hit the first tee shot of the HotelPlanner Tour era, as the 2025 Road to Mallorca got under way at Zebula Golf Estate & Spa in South Africa.
The Spaniard, who claimed a maiden DP World Tour victory three years ago in the Catalunya Championship, struck the opening tee shot on a historic day for the Tour, with HotelPlanner last week named as the new title partner, the first such partner since the Tour’s official opening season in 1989.
The 30-year-old spoke of his pride is being first up to play on the opening day after carding a three under par round of 69 in Limpopo.
“It was announced as the first shot of the HotelPlanner Tour which was a proud moment for me, that I was chosen to hit that shot,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to this new beginning and a very good year for me as well.”
Arnaus is targeting a return to the DP World Tour at the earliest opportunity after enjoying five seasons on golf’s Global Tour before narrowly missing out on retaining his playing privileges for 2025.
The Spaniard, who won the season ending Ras Al Khaimah Grand Final in 2018 to earn promotion from the HotelPlanner Tour, was pleased with how he played on the opening day.
“I did slip away a couple of times with a few bogeys, but the birdies were there which was nice and good to see,” he added. “I’m happy how I performed with my wedges which is where I’m giving myself opportunities.
“You have to keep it in play here. The rough is quite thick and unpredictable so you definitely want a clean lie and then obviously you need to putt up hill. The greens are quite firm and fast.”
Arnaus teed off alongside South African Altin van der Merwe who carded a bogey-free six under par round of 66 to jump into an early lead after the morning starters.
The Challenge Tour and HotelPlanner last week jointly announced a multi-year partnership, with the travel technology company becoming the Tour’s title partner from the start of the 2025 season.
In addition to their title partnership, HotelPlanner will provide additional investment into six events on the 2025 HotelPlanner Tour schedule, and a total of 40 tournaments throughout the multi-year partnership.
