Spain’s Alejandro Canizares carded a 62 to carve out a one-shot lead over England’s Seve Benson on a windswept opening day at the Trophee Hassan II on Thursday.
Canizares hit 11 birdies against just a single bogey to take an early edge over Benson, the golfer named after Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros and who is seeking a first European title in his 104th tournament.
“It was one of those days for me, my swing felt great, I started putting well and the putts went in,” said Canizares after his 10-under score.
The 31-year-old, with a single European Tour title to his name thanks to the 2006 Russian Open, credited hard work for his round on Thursday.
“I was lucky that after a couple of sessions with my coach and a putting session with Phil Kenyon this week it’s started getting a lot easier so I am very happy to perform well this week.
“I think I played one of the best rounds I’ve played. I missed a couple of drives and from the fairway I missed one shot that cost me a bogey, but that was about it I think.”
Benson, 27, carded a round of 63 that featured birdies at his last four holes, while Sweden’s Magnus A Carlsson and Connor Arendell of the United States are a shot further back.
Wade Ormsby was the best placed of the Australians, six shots of the pace.