STOCKHOLM – Magnus Carlsson of Sweden shot a 7-under 65 on Wednesday to take a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the Nordea Masters.
The only blemish during Carlsson’s round was a bogey on the last hole.
Countryman Peter Hanson and England’s Richard Bland were in a group of four at 67. ‘I had a bit of an up and down start but I kicked it into gear around the turn,” said the 661st-ranked Bland.
Third-ranked Lee Westwood was in a group of eight at 4 under. Playing partner and defending champion Alex Noren shot a 74.
Sergio Garcia had a 3-under 69.
The Nordea Masters started Wednesday to give some players more time to prepare for the U.S. Open next week in San Francisco.