Morrison breaks course record to lead European Masters

James Morrison holds a three-shot lead at the European Masters after breaking the course record with a sublime opening round.

Morrison shot a stunning 10-under 60 in a dream start at the picturesque Crans-sur Sierre on Thursday.

Starting from the 10th tee early in the day, the Englishman made an eagle three at the 14th and reached the turn in 31 after his only bogey of the day at 18.

He made birdies at the first, second and fifth holes before finishing with three successive gains, only missing out on a 59 when an approach shot landed three feet from the cup.

Morrison said: "I had a really good look on the last and thought, 'Just try to make this'. The minute your focus goes like that, you chip it stiff, make birdie and shoot 10 under par. I was trying to hole that shot on the last, but next time maybe."

For 59...@jimbogolf1 taps in for 60 and sets a new course record. #OEM2021 pic.twitter.com/ygOanix9Wk
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 26, 2021

Robin Sciot-Siegrist and Marcus Armitage hold a share of second place following seven-under rounds of 63.

Armitage was bogey-free in his first round, while Sciot-Siegrist dropped only the one shot at the first.

Andy Sullivan and Dean Burmester also made encouraging starts, sitting joint-fourth at six under.