CATELLON, Spain – Ross McGowan shot a 7-under 64 on Thursday to take a two-shot lead after the opening round of the Castello Masters.
The Englishman, ranked No. 543, holed his approach to the par-4 No. 17 for an eagle and made five birdies in a faultless round that left him two strokes ahead of Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti and England’s Richard McEvoy.
Hometown favorite Sergio Garcia had a 67 to lead a string of players a further shot back, while defending champion Matteo Manassero had a 69.
Tom Lewis, last week’s Portugal Masters champion, recovered from a poor start and finished with a 71.
American Anthony Kang shot 70, while two-time major winner John Daly finished with a 73.