SANTO DA SERRA, Madeira Islands (AP) — Alvaro Velasco of Spain shot an 8-under 64 Thursday to lead after the opening round of the Madeira Islands Open.
Oliver Wilson of England had six birdies in a 66, joining five others behind Velasco.
Velasco’s 64 included nine birdies — four straight from the ninth hole — and one bogey. He had the fewest putts (25) on the mountainous Santo da Serra course.
“I played very consistent all day long and gave myself a lot of birdie chances,” Velasco said. “It’s been a long time since I played this well. I didn’t realize I had four birdies in a row as I was just so focused.”
Also at 6 under were Tommy Fleetwood, Ben Parker, Morten Orum Madsen, Magnus Carlsson and Joakim Largergren.
