Soren Hansen leads the Spanish Open

GIRONA, Spain, April 30 (UPI) -- Denmark's Soren Hansen shot a course record 9-under-par 63 Thursday and took a 1-stroke lead at the European Tour's Spanish Open at Girona, Spain.

His unlikely first-round total came despite a double-bogey 6 at the first hole. Nine birdies and an eagle at the par-5 12th followed his ominous start.

"It was unbelievable," Hansen said. "I hit an awful opening drive and it looked like a miserable day but I came back with some great golf."

France's Thomas Levet shot 8-under 64 and is alone in second place. Spain's Jose Manuel Lara and Scotland's Callum Macaulay shot 7-under 65 and share third place.

At 6-under 66, Finland's Jarmo Sandelin and Chris Wood of England share fifth place, Ireland's Peter Lawrie, the defending champion, shot 4-under 68, tied for 12th, while American John Daly shot 2-under 70 to join a group of 15 others.