CRANS MONTANA, Switzerland, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Nick Dougherty, who has missed the cut in all 20 of his tournaments this year, became the unlikely leader Thursday after one round of the European Masters.
Dougherty has not cashed a check on the European circuit since November. He is a three-time winner on the tour and was rookie of the year in 2002.
He shot an 8-under 63 Thursday at the Crans-sur-Sierre course to take a two-shot lead over a star-studded group that included defending U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer, the world's fifth-ranked player.
"There wasn't a positive trace at times," Dougherty said of play this year. "Hopefully, I can build on this."
World No. 2 Lee Westwood, British Open champion Darren Clarke and Michael Campbell were among those at 67.
