McGowan takes early lead in Spain
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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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