Scotland’s Richie Ramsay was one of only three players under par as he stormed into an early lead in the Andalucía Masters at Club de Golf Valderrama.
Last year’s South African Open Championship winner gave no indication he was taking on one of Europe’s most fearsome courses as he birdied five of his first ten holes.
The 28 year old also kept a bogey of his card and at five under led by two from England’s Ross Fisher, who was three under through seven.
With a birdie at the eighth Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher became the only other player under par and moved into solo third on one under.
No fewer than 30 of the morning starters were over par - including defending champion Graeme McDowell on one over and Ryder Cup teammates Edoardo Molinari and Martin Kaymer on two over.
Ramsay’s day got even better with an eagle on the par five 11th, and with Fisher suffering a triple bogey seven on the eight he was an amazing five clear of Gallacher, who picked up his second birdie of the day at the tenth.
