Francesco Molinari produced a blistering 62 to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Scottish Open in Inverness.
Molinari - In superb form
The 29-year-old Italian, whose brother Edoardo won this tournament in 2010 at Loch Lomond, carded ten birdies in an error-free round at Castle Stuart on Thursday, setting a new course record in the process.
Spaniard Alejandro Canizares lies two shots back on eight under in second place, while Dane Soren Kjeldsen and France's Raphael Jacquelin produced seven-under-par 65s to share third.
Seven players are tied for fifth on six under, while World No 1 Luke Donald joins six others on five under par in a tie for 12th.
Molinari dedicated his performance to his brother, who had left wrist surgery two weeks ago and is likely to spend the rest of the summer out of the game.
"It would be nice to do well this week for him as well - to cheer him up a little bit," said Francesco, who is in the form of his life after finishing second in the Alstom Open de France on Sunday thanks to a closing 64.
The 62 matched the lowest round of his European Tour career.
If Molinari's form continues throughout the week, he would have to be considered one of the favourites for the Open Championship next week.
"I know it's not going to last forever," he added, "but I hope to keep this going a little bit longer - obviously next week, but the next month or so is really big for The Ryder Cup.
"That, probably more than The Open, is in my mind."
Phil Mickelson, looking to get some links experience under his belt ahead of Royal Lytham next week, opened with a disappointing 73 and is a full 11 shots behind the leader.
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