TIANJIN, China (AP) — Matthew Baldwin of England took advantage of calm early conditions to shoot a 7-under 65 Thursday and lead the China Open by one stroke after the first round.
Baldwin, who graduated from Europe’s second-tier Challenge Tour last year, said he was also helped by the tee and flag placements.
Joost Luiten of the Netherlands, Gary Boyd of England, Scott Strange of Australia, Jean Baptiste Gonnet of France, Fredrik Andersson Hed of Sweden and Jbe Kruger of South Africa all shot 66.
Former European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie shot a 68 for his best round this year.
Guan Tian-lang of China made history by becoming the youngest golfer to play in a European Tour event at 13 years, 173 days. He shot a 77.
