MADRID -- Jon Rahm got off to a solid start in his attempt to surpass Seve Ballesteros by winning a fourth Spanish Open title, shooting 4-under 67 to sit four shots off the lead after Thursday's first round.
Matthieu Pavon was at the top of the leaderboard after a 63 at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid that included seven birdies, an eagle and a bogey.
Wil Besseling was one shot back in second place, while Mike Lorenzo-Vera, Pedro Figueiredo and Eddie Pepperell were another stroke behind in a tie for third.