Fitzpatrick and Garcia-Heredia share first-round lead in Crans Montana

Alex Fitzpatrick and Spaniard Alfredo Garcia-Heredia both produced flawless rounds of 63 to share the first-round lead at the Omega European Masters.

Both were among the late starters who benefited from the calmer conditions in the Swiss Alps, with Fitzpatrick rolling in seven birdies during his bogey-free card on Thursday.

He is the younger brother of former US Open Champion Matt Fitzpatrick, who has lifted the trophy here at Crans Montana on two occasions in 2017 and 2018.

Fitzpatrick, who is still awaiting his first DP World Tour victory, is heading in the right direction as he led a logjam at the top of the leaderboard at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

Two of the best from @FitzAlex99 as he co-leads the Omega European Masters 🏌️‍♂️#OEM2024 pic.twitter.com/zXhtgQaVIZ

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 5, 2024

However, he was not on his own as Garcia-Heredia timed his charge to the summit to perfection as he rolled in an eagle and five birdies to reach seven under to sit alongside the Englishman.

The pair are one clear of a chasing pack which includes Matt Wallace, Swede Henrik Norlander, Australia's Jason Scrivener and Dutchman Daan Huizing.

© DP World Tour