Paul Lawrie fired seven birdies in nine holes to move into a two shot clubhouse lead during the first round of the CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar in Spain.
The former Open Championship winner picked up four consecutive birdies from the seventh to the tenth holes and with three further gains in a bogey-free round signed for a seven under par 64.
That was two clear of France's Jean-Baptiste Gonnet, who at 130th on The Race to Dubai is in need of a good finish this week to climb into the top 115 who retain their playing cards at the end of the season.
Another Frenchman, Gregory Bourdy, and Dane Jeppe Huldahl were tied for third after four under par rounds of 67, while out on the course Argentina's Ricardo Gonzalez joined them with six holes remaining in his round.
Two of Spain's best-known golfers were making their return to European Tour action at Club de Campo del Mediterráneo, and Sergio Garcia carded a respectable level par round on his home course.
His playing partner José Maria Olazábal will have work to do in his second round if he is to make the cut on his return from injury after a two over par 73.
