British Masters: Matthew Jordan sets course record to take lead in Southport

Matthew Jordan battled wet conditions to shoot a course-record 63 for a two-shot lead after the first round of the British Masters at Hillside, Southport.

The 23-year-old, in only his 12th event as a professional, sunk nine birdies to sit on nine under par, with fellow Englishman Matt Wallace and Sweden's Marcus Kinhult both on seven under.

Lee Westwood and Scot Richie Ramsay are in a group a further shot behind.

“I just tried to shoot as low as I could,” said Jordan.

“You start to realise you're doing quite well because more people turn up and you see a couple of cameras. I was nervous maybe for a couple of holes, like around 11 and 12, and then I settled back into it which was strange.”

Jordan, who hails from nearby Hoylake, registered his best result as a professional in a Challenge Tour event in Turkey a fortnight ago, where he carded a second-round 62 on his way to finishing seventh.

Tournament host Tommy Fleetwood, who was five shots off the lead at Southport's Hillside course after an opening 68, said: “I've known him for a long time, we all know what he's capable of.

“That's a tremendous first round and I think it will be good for him now.”