Flawless rounds of 65 saw England’s Mark Foster and Scotland’s Marc Warren take a share of the clubhouse lead in the early stages of day one of the Methorios Capital Italian Open.
The duo took advantage of perfect morning conditions at Castello di Tolcinasco Golf and Country Club in Milan to finish on seven under par, one shot clear of Sweden’s Alexander Noren, England’s Oliver Wilson, and Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti.
Foster, who picked up shots on his first two holes and also closed with a birdie, said: “When I had a look at my swing on video in Malaysia a few weeks ago, it looked all over the place. So I had to sit down and take stock to work out where I was going wrong.
“At least it made me realise why I hadn’t been playing so well. I addressed it and saw a gradual improvement last week in Seville, even if I didn’t play consistently well. But today was much more like it.”
Warren also showed glimpses of the form which saw him win last year’s Omega Mission Hills World Cup in partnership with compatriot Colin Montgomerie.
He said: “Today was probably the best ball striking round I’ve ever had. My caddie just informed that if the putts which had lipped out today had gone into the hole, I could have shot 17 under par – which would have been a nice score. But I am chuffed with today. Everything seemed to go right, and it was a pretty stress-free day.”