McGowan takes early lead in Spain

Castellon, Valencia, Spain – Ross McGowan shot a seven-under shot lead after the first round of the Castello Masters.

McGowan had an eagle at the par-four 17th to go with five birdies at Club de Campo del Mediterraneo and took the third 18-hole lead of his European Tour career. He's a one-time winner on tour, coming at the 2009 Madrid Masters.

The 29-year-old Englishman has had a down year and came into the week ranked 163rd on the money list. McGowan has missed more cuts than he's made this year and likely needs a good finish to retain his tour card.

He's off to a good start, though neither of his previous first-round leads have translated into a victory. He finished tied for 12th at the 2009 Estoril Open de Portugal and sixth at the 2008 Italian Open.

A pair of winless players share second, as Richard McEvoy and Fabrizio Zanotti both shot five-under 66s on Thursday. McEvoy has yet to find himself a top-10 finish this year, while Zanotti placed third at the Czech Open a couple months ago.

Sergio Garcia, the second-highest ranked player in the field at No. 49 in the world, leads a contingent of seven players that share fourth at four-under 67. An eight-time European Tour winner for his career, Garcia hasn't tasted victory since 2009.

The only player ranked higher than Garcia this week is defending champion Matteo Manassero, who, at No. 44, shot a two-under 69 and shares 17th.

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