Bourdy sets course record to lead Mallorca Open

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SON SERVERA, Spain (AP) -- Gregory Bourdy set a course record with a 7-under 63 Thursday to take the lead after the first round of the Mallorca Open.

The 29-year-old French golfer made nine birdies to sit one stroke ahead of Danny Willett of England.

"It's always great to hold a course record," said Bourdy, who won the event at the Pula Golf Club in 2007 for his first of three European titles. "It's very nice on tour to get a score like this. I made nine birdies, only two or three mistakes but it was a wonderful day."

Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland and England's Matthew Nixon were tied for third, two shots off the lead.

Ryder Cup Captain Jose Maria Olazabal shot a 1-over 71 and Colin Montgomerie carded 77 after both missed the practice round to attend Wednesday's funeral of Spanish golf great Seve Ballesteros.