Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg led the home challenge as the Nordea Masters began at PGA Sweden National in Malmo.
The 28 year old, who predominantly plies his trade on the Asian Tour, started on the back nine with consecutive birdies and gained another shot at the 17th to turn in 33.
Further birdies at the long first and short sixth – the latter from 25 feet - took Karlberg to five under par, one ahead of compatriot Jens Dantorp, England’s Simon Dyson, Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and Dutchman Daan Huizing.
Dantorp, who also started on the back nine, turned in 32, while Dyson gained three shots in his first two holes after birdieing the tenth and eagling the 11th.
Gallacher holed a six footer at the first and then birdied the third after turning in 34, while rookie Huizing almost holed his approach to the third for a fourth birdie of the day.
World Number Two Henrik Stenson pitched to three feet at the first to get to two under but bogeyed the next, while defending champion Mikko Ilonen was among the afternoon starters.
