European Tour

                                                        

A competent five under par 67 saw former US PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel enjoy a one shot lead after the opening round of the Reale Seguros Open de España. He has a one shot lead over home favourite Jorge Campillo and the English pair of Robert Rock and Danny Willett, and their compatriot Matthew Baldwin is alone in fifth on three under.

Shaun Micheel (Getty Images)

Shaun seemed surprised at his lead;

I didn’t expect this. Yesterday in the pro-am I didn’t make any birdies, and it wasn’t for lack of effort, I can assure you. I had a terrific start with four birdies on my first six holes. I think the key was I kept the ball in play, made a couple of nice putts, and I made all my short putts. My iron play was good and I just managed myself well and gave myself a lot of opportunities. Outside my bogey in the last, I’m extremely pleased. I made 8 birdies, it felt great, it really did. I’m ready to play tomorrow in the same conditions, I do enjoy playing in difficult conditions.”

Local favorite Jorge Campillo was also very pleased with his start to the tournament;

“I feel great playing this good. The course is playing tough and I managed to make no bogeys, so I’m very happy with the way I played today.”