Matt Wallace has started as he means to continue at the Alps Tour Grand Final by firing a stunning course record-equalling 63 to take a one-shot lead into tomorrow’s second round.

The Moor Park Golf Club professional went into the event at Miglianico Golf and Country Club expected to feature prominently off the back of a superb year on the European satellite tour, winning a historic five consecutive events and finishing inside the top four in all eight tournaments he’s played.

Following a bogey six on his opening hole, the 26-year-old was soon into his stride with birdies on the second and fourth to move under-par. But it was what happened from the sixth to the tenth holes that enabled Wallace to rapidly rise up the first round leaderboard as he made five consecutive birdies to shoot up to six-under.

Five straight pars then followed for the Pinner-based professional before he completed his opening 18 holes on the par-71 course with two more birdies on 16 and 18 to move a shot clear of France’s Fabien Marty.

This very strong start continues an exciting week for Wallace, who finished in a career-best share of fourth on the Challenge Tour in his last event, after he signed for Chubby Chandler’s International Sports Management.