Warren clicks with super 66

Scot Marc hits form to claim share of first-round lead in Spanish Open

Scotland’s Marc Warren heads into the second day of the Spanish Open tied for the lead after a superb opening round of sixunder-par 66 in Madrid.

Irishman Paul Dunne also opened with a 66, while home favourite Jon Rahm is only one shot behind.

Warren, who made five birdies over the space of seven holes from the 12th to the 18th, said: “I finished with three birdies in a row which makes it look a little bit better.

“It was really solid from tee to green and I putted really well. I didn’t leave myself much to do with the putts that I missed and the good putts always looked like they had a chance of going in.

“It was really cold in the morning and the woolly hats and mitts were out. It warmed up for the back nine and it was a nice finish. I’m really delighted with that start.”

Glasgow’s Scott Jamieson is next best-placed of a strong Scottish contingent after a three-under 69 with Connor Syme and Stephen Gallacher one further back.

Bradley Neil (one under) is also well-placed but Aberdeen’s Richie Ramsay, David Drysdale (both one over) and Paul Lawrie (four over) will be hoping for better today.

World number four Jon Rahm, who finished fourth in the Masters on Sunday, surprised himself with an opening 67 at the Centro Nacional de Golf, where he practised during his amateur days. The 23-year-old was part of an 11-way tie for third on five under par, which included Spanish amateur Victor Pastor. He said: “It feels great. “To be honest I would have taken anything under par given the fact that I played better than I expected, especially off the tee. My long game was amazing.”

Asked how he was feeling following the trip across the Atlantic, Rahm added: “The morning is not as bad as the afternoon. When jetlag kicks in after the round and adrenalin goes the afternoon is a little harder.

“I’m a lot better than I expected and hopefully it keeps going because sometimes jet lag tricks you. It gives you a good day and the next day is horrible.”

Dunne, meanwhile, was pleased with his start in testing conditions.

He said: “I find the greens quite tricky to read out there especially on the front nine, so it was nice to hole a couple of putts on the back nine and climb up the leaderboard.”

Defending champion Andrew Johnston is only two off the lead after an opening 68.

“It was cold in the morning and the woolly hats and mitts were out”

Marc Warren