Tony C. McCray Blog: Orrin, Paratore Lead Nordea Masters

England’s Max Orrin and Italy’s Renato Paratore are the leaders in the clubhouse after the first day of the Nordea Masters.

The pair each shot a 5-under 68. Orrin looked like he was in trouble early, double-bogeying No. 3, but bouncing back with birdies on 5, 6, and 8. He added birdies on 11, 14, and 16.

Paratore also started slowly, bogeying No.3 and No. 4 before recording three birdies to hit the turn 1-under. After another birdie on No. 10, he eagled the 502-yard No. 12 to surge into the lead, and remained there by hitting a birdie on No. 16.

The pair lead Wales’ Jamie Donaldson and Bradley Dredge by a stroke.

Most of the highly ranked players struggled in the first day. The only player ranked in thew world top 20 to finish the first day under par was Jeung Wang, who is 1-under.

The tournament marks the first time back in Sweden as a professional for Henrik Stenson since winning the 2016 Open Championship.

Defending champion Matthew Fitzpatrick is tied for 27th at even par.