Garrido shoots course record 63 to lead Spanish Open by four strokes

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May. 2, 2008

SEVILLE, Spain (AP) -- Ignacio Garrido shot a course record 9-under 63 Friday to take a four-stroke lead at the Spanish Open.

Garrido had nine birdies at the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla and bettered the previous course record -- set by Martin Erlandsson on Thursday -- by two strokes. The Spaniard leads at 15-under 129 overall.

"That was probably the best golf of my life. I had lots of fun out there," Garrido said. "We play a very tough sport, so it's important to enjoy the good days. It can go fantastically well one day then not so great the next, so I'm not getting carried away."

Garrido said it was a dream to play so well in front of his home fans.

"Other than the majors, this is the one tournament all Spaniards want to win," Garrido said. "I've given myself a great chance, but there's still a long way to go."

Erlandsson (68) is second at 11 under. He eagled the fifth hole.

"I enjoy getting in positions to win tournaments and testing myself," the Swede said. "I can feel my game coming together, and hopefully a win is just round the corner. I'm looking forward to playing in front of the fans with Ignacio tomorrow."

Darren Clarke, who won the Asian Open on Sunday, made the cut with a 69.

"I had some great chances but made a few mistakes, but I'm trying," Clarke said. "I'm a long way behind the leaders, but I won't give up. A couple of good rounds over the weekend will give me a chance."