Australia’s Nikki Garrett carded a bogey-free round of 64 to claim the first-round lead in the Tenerife Open in the Canary Islands.

Starting from the 10th hole, Garrett birdied the 11th, 16th and 17th to be out in three under before picking up five birdies on the front nine to finish eight under par.

“I just played really solid the whole day,” the 28-year-old told www.ladieseuropeantour.com.

“I hit a lot of greens, hit a few close shots that I really capitalised on and sank the putts.

“I chipped in out of the bunker on my eighth hole, which is 17, so just everything went well. I love Tenerife, I love Spain. I’m always very relaxed when I play in this part of the world.”

England’s Trish Johnson was alone in second place at five under after carding a 67 containing six birdies and one bogey.

Italian Veronica Zorzi, South African Lee-Anne Pace and Germany’s Miriam Nagl carded four under par 68s to lie in a share of third place.

Zorzi, who is going for her first title since 2006, said: “I played good. I got one eagle, so that was great and I got some pars, two bogeys. I hit 12 fairways, so it’s good.”