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Course record gives Kaymer the lead
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Course record gives Kaymer the lead

European Tour rookie Martin Kaymer underlined his growing reputation as Germany’s next golfing superstar when equalled the lowest round of The European Tour season with a spectacular 11 under par 61 in the first round of the Portugal Masters.

The Dusseldorf golfer, already with a second and third place finish in his first full season, finished with five successive birdies to set a new record at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Club on the Algarve and establish a three shot lead.

Despite being only 22, however, it was not the lowest round of Kaymer's career. Last year he had a 13 under par 59 on the EPD third level tour in Europe.

"I've been waiting for this day for a couple of weeks," he said. "My putting has been so-so, but today every putt went in."

Kaymer leads the way by three shots from Argentina’s Daniel Vancsik, who carded an opening 64 while Frenchman Gregory Bourdy shared third with South Africa’s Retief Goosen and Lee Westwood of England, who all began with 65s.

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