CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland, Sept 4 AFP - Scot Richie Ramsey and Italy's Edoardo Molinari share the first round lead at the European Masters on eight under at Crans Montana.
Ramsey set off at a blistering pace at the picturesque Swiss course on Thursday, eagling the opening hole and birdying the next two.
He posted three further birdies to take the clubhouse lead, where he was later joined by Molinari, who enjoyed a similarly flawless round.
"Four under through three holes was a nice way to start," Ramsay said.
"I hit a great six iron into the first and then two more good iron shots into the next two, so I was flying at that point. It gave me a great boost and I managed to pick off a few more birdies after that."
Molinari, who has missed this tournament for the last two years through injury, said: "I hit the ball very well from the tee, which wasn't the case last week (in Italy).
"And I've been hitting my irons very well lately, so I know that when I find the fairways, I'm probably going to give myself a good chance to get close to the pin."
Ramsay and Molinari were two shots ahead of Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Graeme Storm plus Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin, who all made 64s.
Wales' Jamie Donaldson, seeking consecutive European Tour triumphs, went round in 65 to be in a group of seven on five under.
Defending champion Thomas Bjrn of Denmark was among a large group one shot further back.
Australia's Wade Ormsby was in an eight-way tie for 28th at three-under, with Marcos Both another shot back.
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