Schwab leads Betfred British Masters

Matthias Schwab’s red-hot form continued at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett as the Austrian fired a six-under-par 66 to take the lead after the first round at The Belfry.

The 26-year-old, who has three top ten finishes in his last four starts, carded three successive birdies from the 16th hole, making the turn three-under-par after starting from the tenth.
Birdies on the second and third holes quickly followed and he took the solo lead after his seventh gain of the day on the eighth on the iconic Brabazon Course.
"I think it’s quite a good score, I’m really happy and pleased with the score but also with how I played," said Schwab.
"I had a slow start but an OK start and then had a really nice stretch from my seventh to 12th hole played those in five under which was great. Then I got a nice birdie on eight, which was my final hole and is not an easy hole today. Overall I kept it together, one bogey and seven birdies so it’s been a really solid day."

Schwab sits one stroke ahead of Scotland’s Calum Hill, who carded a five-under-par 67 to move one stroke ahead of a group of nine golfers on four under.
Danny Willett, bidding to become the first winning host of the Betfred British Masters, signed for a three-under-par round of 69. The 2016 Masters champion recorded five birdies in his first round, securing a £5,000 donation from tournament title sponsors Betfred to Willett’s chosen charity, Prostate Cancer UK. 
Betfred has pledged to donate £1,000 for every birdie and £2,000 for every eagle Willett makes this week.