Alex Fitzpatrick Takes Lead at European Masters

Alex Fitzpatrick led the opening round of the European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre with a score of 63, including seven birdies, matching the lead with Spain's Alfredo Garcia-Heredia at seven under par. His older brother, Matt Fitzpatrick, a two-time champion of the event, finished with a 66, three strokes behind and aiming to become the fourth player to win the tournament three times. The conditions were challenging, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph, but Alex capitalized on calmer winds in the latter part of his round. Matt Wallace also performed well, carding a bogey-free 64 to tie for third place alongside three others at six under. Matt Fitzpatrick expressed satisfaction with his performance despite the poor weather at the start of the day. Alex, who finished tied for fifth in his debut last year, acknowledged the favorable conditions he experienced during his round.