Italian Open: Maybin fires course record; Daly strong

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John Daly is making his second European Tour start of the year.

TURIN, Italy (AP) -- Gareth Maybin of Northern Ireland shot a course record 7-under 64 to take a three-shot lead Thursday after the first round of the Italian Open.

Maybin went 2-under on the front nine and 5-under on the back nine on the Royal Park I Roveri course. He made an eagle 2 at the 13th with a 116-yard wedge into the cup.

Earlier, Richie Ramsay of Scotland set a short-lived course record with a 4-under 67. The previous course record was 68 by Seve Benson last year.

Ramsay was tied for second with Christian Cevaer, Marcus Higley and Raphael Jacquelin.

Two-time major winner John Daly shot a 2-under 69, despite two closing bogeys.

"I love the way I'm hitting the ball," Daly said. "I had a lot of opportunities out there."