David Carter of England matched the course record with a 7-under-par 65 today for a one-stroke lead after the first round of the European Grand Prix.

Australian Peter O'Malley had the lead most of the day, but fell to second with a bogey on the 17th hole.

Ireland's Paul McGinley, England's David Lynn and Welshman David Park were tied for third at 67.

European Ryder Cup captain Mark James and Spain's Seve Ballesteros were at 73.

Carter now shares the Slaley Hall record with fellow Britons Ross Drummond, who set the mark in the inaugural tournament in 1996, and Colin Montgomerie, who repeated the score in 1997.

"I've shot a 62 twice before on the European Tour but this was incredible," said Carter, the Irish Open champion. "The course has some funny holes and tricks but no course is difficult when you shoot a low score."

AP