Russell sets searing pace in Dutch Open

Scotland’s Raymond Russell took inspiration from his place at the top of the draw for the opening round of the KLM Open to shoot six birdies and storm into an early lead.

The 32-year-old from East Lothian was first man out at 7am and he took full advantage of the calm conditions at the Hilversumsche Golf Club in Holland to reach five under after 14 holes.

Russell, whose only European Tour victory is the 1996 Air France Cannes Open, opened with a bogey five but claimed that shot back immediately with a birdie at the 344-yard par-four second.

Back-to-back birdies at the fourth and fifth took him to two under and another at the 421-yard seventh saw him turn in 32.

The 486-yard 12th – one of only two par fives on this short but tight course - and the short par-four 14th provided more birdies to leave the Scot four shots clear.

Russell’s performance was even more impressive as only six of the 51 players to tee off so far were under par.

Defending champion David Lynn was one of those in the pack on one under, having birdied the par-four third after hitting his approach stone dead to two and a half feet.

Welshman Bradley Dredge was another at one under having picked up a shot at the second.