Scotland’s Pete Whiteford raced out of the blocks to take an early lead during the opening round of the BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi at Royal Park I Roveri.
The 30 year old, who has made nine cuts in his last ten starts and posted three top-ten finishes in the process, carded five birdies in his first 13 holes - including a hattrick form the seventh.
At five under he led by one from a group of seven players that included home favourite Matteo Manassero.
The 18 year old, who has broken a string of European Tour records in his first year as a professional, reached four under after just three holes courtesy of a birdie-eagle-birdie start, but remained on the same mark through 11 holes.
He was joined by Australian Wade Ormsby, Dutchman Joost Luiten, Spain’s José Manuel Lara and English trio Simon Wakefield, Anthony Wall and Chris Wood.
