Friday 9 October 2015 16:19, UK
Matthew Fitzpatrick fired a superb 64 to claim the outright lead after a hugely successful opening day of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports.
As 15,000 flocked to the picturesque Marquess Course at Woburn, Fitzpatrick snatched a one-shot lead after a seven-under round which included an eagle, six birdies and only one blemish on his card.
The young Englishman offset an opening birdie with a bogey at the second, but he got into a nice rhythm and birdied the fifth and sixth before hitting the long seventh in two blows and rolling in the putt for eagle.
The former world amateur No 1 picked up another shot at 13, and he defied the late drop in temperature to birdie the final two holes and edge ahead of a group of four players in the clubhouse on six under.
"It was a great day," said the 21-year-old. "I hit it really nice and scrambled when I needed to. It was a great start to the week.and I just need to keep working hard on my game.
"It was a tough start to the year and I missed a few cuts in a row, although I felt like I was playing all right, but now I am playing decent and getting the results I am looking for.
More control
"I started hitting a fade in Switzerland (where he finished second) and maybe have a little bit more control over the ball now; the bad ones are not as destructive.
"It doesn't get better than that out there today. This is the first day and the crowd has been absolutely fantastic. They are really happy and have been great all day."
Marc Warren had set the early target after posting a flawless six-birdie 65 under the watchful eye of playing partner and European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke.
The Scot was soon joined at the top by England's Lee Slattery, the recent Russian Open champion, who picked up four shots in six holes on the front nine and also birdied the last three.
In-form Dane Soren Kjeldsen continued his excellent season with a bogey-free 65, although Robert Karlsson looked set to enjoy the outright clubhouse lead until he dropped his only shot of the day at the last.
More in Europe
But the Swedish veteran was delighted to herald the return of the event to the European Tour schedule, and he was particularly pleased to be playing on English soil.
"We want to play more tournaments in Europe," he said. "I've been on tour for 25 years and when I started there were six or seven in England. To have just one (BMW PGA Championship) does not feel right."
Shane Lowry, the highest-ranked player in the field this week, also kept a bogey off his card in a creditable 66 as he joined fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington and Welshman Bradley Dredge on five under.
Luke Donald, one of the future hosts of the British Masters, made an encouraging start with a four-under 67 featuring a nice run of three birdies in four holes from the first.
His English compatriot Andy Sullivan is also in a tie for 12th, while tournament host and long-time Woburn member Ian Poulter proved he was focused on his game despite his many commitments as he fired an encouraging 68.
And another tournament ambassador, Lee Westwood, opened with a solid 69 along with Ryder Cup team-mate Jamie Donaldson and rising Sheffield star Danny Willett.
