Pablo Larrazabal has taken a two-shot lead at the Spanish Open as he is one of only two players under par.
The Spaniard, who didn’t play at Augusta last week, was one of four players that managed to shot a level par 71 in very testing conditions in Valderrama.
The 32-year-old started the day with a birdie three but got back to level par for the day after bogeying the next. Things went from bad to worse on the par three third hole as he could only make a triple-bogey which shows how tough the conditions were.
Larrazabel carded six consecutive bogeys to finish the front nine on three-over par. It was more of a consistent back nine as the world number 105 birdied the 11th, 12th, and 17th to get back to level for the day, two shots ahead of Andrew Johnston.
Englishman Andrew Johnston is in second place after a three-over par round of 74 which include three birdies, four bogeys, and a double-bogey.
Defending champion James Morrison also shot an over-par round as he carded a four over 75 after two birdies, three bogeys, and a double-bogey.
The tournament host, Sergio Garcia, was another player who managed a level par round of 71. He currently sits at three-over but if the tough conditions continue in Spain, he is very much back in it.
