Ludvig Aberg sets early pace at Farmers Insurance Open

Ludvig Aberg of Sweden. Pic: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Ludvig Aberg shot an opening nine-under-par 63 to take a two-shot lead in the Farmers Insurance Open.

The Swedish Ryder Cup star leads American duo Danny Walker and Hayden Springer.

Aberg opened with three birdies on the North Course at Torrey Pines - one of two being used for the tournament - and added five more alongside an eagle at his eighth hole as he hit 16 of 18 greens in regulation.

The only blemish on his card came on his 11th hole when he dropped a shot after failing to find the fairway off the tee.

Walker was the only player who opened up on the tougher South Course to be within four strokes of Aberg, alongside only two others in the top 18.

He hit every green in regulation, cashing in with seven birdies to join Springer who eagled his opening hole.

Among a group on six-under-par was former American Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson, seeking his first win since The Open at St Andrews in 2015.