Erlandsson leads 2008 Spanish Open

A brilliant putting performance on the back 9 put Swede Martin Erlandsson on course to claim a 6th Spanish Open title in just over a decade for Scandinavian golfers.

In a day that saw many of the top seeded players fail to fire, Erlandsson carded a 65, missing out on the course record by only one shot. Erlandsson’s seven birdies included superb putts over 40 feet and 25 feet.

Erlandsson’s flawless performance in the 1st round of the 2008 Spanish Open was not enough to open up a significant lead over the rest of the field, and the Swede is only 1 shot ahead of the 3 golfers tied for 2nd place.

“I was putting my head off today,” a jubilant Erlandsson said at the close of play, “and I holed a lot of big ones.”

The group tied for second include another Scandinavian, Soren Hansen, England’s Peter Whiteford and local star Carlos Rodiles.

South African Charl Schwartzel looks unlikely to become the first Spanish Open golfer in decades to claim back-to-back victories in the tournament. Schwartzel is currently positioned 9 shots behind Erlandsson, after scoring a round of 74.

Newly-wed Colin Montgomerie shot a round of 70 to stay in touch with the tournament leader.