McIlroy sets the pace

Nineteen-year-old Rory McIlroy shot easily the lowest round of his professional life today, an eight-under-par 63 that gave him the first round lead in the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.

It was one outside the official European Tour record for the Crans-sur-Sierre course, although before it was redesigned Baldovino Dassu and Jamie Spence both scored 60.

With the day’s play still in progress the Northern Ireland teenager, top amateur at last year’s Open, was three clear of favourite Miguel Angel Jimenez and Welsh pair Garry Houston and Kyron Sullivan.

Jimenez is the only member of Nick Faldo’s Ryder Cup team in the field.

McIlroy’s previous lowest round on the circuit was 66, but in his amateur days he had an amazing 61 at Royal Portrush.