Spanish journeyman golfer Alvaro Velasco shot a stunning eight-under-par 64 to lead after the first round of the Madeira Islands Open on Thursday.

The 30-year-old – who has two wins on the second tier Challenger Tour to his credit including the Kazakhstan Open – holds a two shot lead over a host of players including former Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson.

“I was consistent all day and putted very well,” Velasco told the European Tour website.

“If you hit it in the right spots the course is quite easy, but if you’re in the wrong place it’s easy to get in trouble.

“I can’t remember the last time I made such a good start to a tournament.”

Wilson has slumped from the high of playing in the 2008 Ryder Cup – albeit when the United States regained the trophy in Kentucky – to losing his card on the tour after a terrible season last year.

The 32-year-old – a nine time runner-up on the EPGA Tour – showed some of the old sparkle had returned to his game with a fine 66 perhaps a sign that his taking care of some health concerns at the end of last year could pay off.

The tournament gives a chance to some of the lesser lights on the tour to earn a good payday – 675,000 ($A873,500) to the winner – as the bigger stars are competing in the Players Championship in the United States.