Ramsay leads in Spain as Irish struggle

Scotland’s Richie Ramsay made a blistering start to the Andalucia Masters today, surging to seven under par after just 11 holes of his opening round.

The 28-year-old from Aberdeen picked up birdies on the second, fifth, seventh, eighth and 10th before claiming an eagle on the par-five 11th at Valderrama.

Ramsay’s onslaught saw him open up a four-shot lead on the rest of the field with England’s Ross Fisher his closest pursuer.

Fisher picked up shots on the opening two holes and also the sixth.

The Irish are struggling with Peter Lawrie five off the lead on level par after five holes.

Graeme Mc Dowell is one over after six and Paul McGinley is two over after three holes.

Stephen Gallacher, another Scot, is the only other player under par among the early starters with his only diversion from par being a birdie at the eighth.

Germany’s Martin Kaymer, the world number six and highest-ranked player in the event, was two over after seven holes.

Defending champion Graeme McDowell is level par through seven while Sergio Garcia, the runaway winner at the Castello Masters last weekend, is among the later starters.