NEWPORT, Wales (AP) Espen Kofstad shot a 7-under 64 to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Wales Open at Celtic Manor on Thursday.
After going out in the first group of the day, the Norwegian ended his round with three birdies and then an eagle at the last after holing a bunker shot.
Kofstad, ranked No. 305, was ahead of England's Chris Wood and Australia's Richard Green, who shot 66s on the Twenty Ten course that hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup.
The event is the first in the qualification process for the 2014 Ryder Cup against the United States at Gleneagles in Scotland.
Europe captain Paul McGinley took the first shot of the tournament and had a 1-under 70, but was outclassed by playing partner Kofstad.