Erlandsson on top in Spain after setting course record

5/1/2008

Sweden’s Martin Erlandsson is leading the way on day one of the Open de España after setting a new course record at Real Club de Golf de Sevilla

Erlandsson, who also holds the course record at The Belfry after shooting a 63 at last year’s Quinn Direct British Masters, birdied his last three holes en route to a flawless seven under par 65 at the José Maria Olazábal-designed course in Seville, Spain.

The 34 year old, whose only previous European Tour victory came on Spanish soil at the 2003 Izki Challenge de España on the Challenge Tour, leads by one shot from home favourites Jordi Garcia and Ignacio Garrido, who both shot rounds of 66.

Garrido opened with three consecutive birdies, whilst the highlight of Garcia’s round was an eagle three at the 13th hole.

The pair are one shot clear of England’s Gary Clark, who came into the tournament in good form after a top ten finish at last week’s AGF-Allianz Open Côtes d’Armor Breatagne on the European Challenge Tour.

Leaderboard – Round 1:

1. Martin Erlandsson         SWE  65 - 7
2. Jordi Garcia                  ESP  66 - 6
    Ignacio Garrido             ESP  66 - 6
4. Gary Clark                    ENG  67 - 5
5. Sören Hansen              DEN   68 - 4
    Peter Lawrie                  IRL  68 - 4
    Henrik Nyström            SWE  68 - 4
    Steven O´Hara             SCO  68 - 4
    Carlos Rodiles               ESP  68 - 4
    Peter Whiteford            SCO  68 - 4

Source: European Tour