Francesco Laporta carded a six under par 64 to seal the top spot after round one of the Challenge de Madrid on the European Challenge Tour.
The Italian made six birdies and no bogeys to take charge of matters in the Spanish capital, where he is one shot ahead of the chasing pack in the third event on the 2016 Road to Oman.
Home favourite Javier Colomo set an early clubhouse lead with a five under par 65 at the scenic Real Club de Golf La Herrería.
But it was 25-year-old Laporta who was top of the pile after the competition’s first 18 holes and the Italian was thrilled with his opening round.
“I just played really nice golf all day,” said Laporta who gained his card for the 2016 European Tour season through Q-School.
“I tried to play to the middle of the green, not too close to the pin, and I made three putts from 30 feet so I was very happy. I also hit a lot of fairways, I missed only one today, so I played really solidly from tee to green. But most of all my putter was unbelievably good.
“The course is really tough this week – the greens are not easy to read. You have to hit it very straight from the tee as there are lots of trees and obstructions.
“For the rest of the week I just want to play my game and I do not want to see a leaderboard. I will try to play my best and see what I can do.”
One shot behind Laporta is Spain’s Colomo who made eight birdies and three bogeys during a successful round.
“I played really well today, much better than I was expecting,” said 32-year-old Colomo. “I was very patient because in the middle of the round I had some problems when I missed a couple of shots.
“I also got lucky by hitting a tree, it landed back down on the fairway, and I went on to birdie that hole. I then finished with two birdies on seven and eight and was so happy to find out I was at the top.
“My putting worked really well today even on these greens which are very tricky – when you hit it downhill it moves really fast. I have a bit of an advantage as I know this course very well.
“To be honest I am not full of confidence for the rest of the week as I am currently changing my swing but my short game has been excellent. I just need to keep hitting it straight then use my advantage of knowing the course to make lots of putts.”
Four Spaniards finished the day inside the top ten in their country’s capital, with Barcelona-born Pep Angles carrying on the good form he showed at the Real Club Valderrama Open de España, Hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation with a four under par 66.
