Surprise package Bland sets pace in Stockholm

England’s Richard Bland was the early clubhouse leader as the Nordea Masters got under way in Stockholm today.

Bland, ranked 661 in the world, mixed eight birdies with a bogey and a double bogey – on the par-five 13th – to go round the course in five-under 67.

Sweden’s Michael Jonzon and Carlos Del Moral of Spain were one shot off the lead having also completed their opening rounds.

Jonzon had five birdies and a single bogey in his 68 while Del Moral carded six birdies and two bogeys.

Sergio Garcia was the most prominent name among a group of four players on three-under.

The Spaniard dropped shots on the third, 14th and 16th but also showed six birdies in his round of 69.

Home favourite Pelle Edberg sat alongside Garcia on three-under, although had completed only five holes.

World number three Lee Westwood, who was among the afternoon starters, also made a strong start to his challenge at Bro Hof.

The Worksop golfer sank birdies at the first and second and was two-under after three holes.

Defending champion Alex Noren was in the same starting group as Westwood but dropped a shot on the third.

England’s Ross Fisher signed for a two-under 70 with birdies at the first and 13th.

Fisher missed out on the Wales Open title last weekend after being hit with a one-stroke penalty and £6,000 (€7,394) fine for slow play when only one off the lead with four holes to play.