HILVERSUM, Netherlands -- Graeme Storm of England shot a course-record 7-under 63 to lead the KLM Open by two shots in the opening round Thursday.
Storm birdied three of his closing four holes on the Hilversumsche course. His effort was three shots fewer than his previous best score in the premier Dutch event.
"I made the birdies when I gave myself the chances, and I managed to get up and down when I missed the greens," he said.
Storm teed up in the Netherlands ranked 353rd in the world. He wants to end the season inside the top 115 to retain full European Tour membership next season.
Martin Kaymer, Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin and Paraguay's Fabrizio Zanotti also surpassed the previous course record with their 65s to tie for second place.
Kaymer handed playing partner and Europe Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal a reminder of his capabilities before heading to the event at Medinah outside of Chicago
Kaymer, who won the KLM Open two years ago, capped his round with a 20-foot eagle putt at the 12th. Europe teammate Peter Hanson of Sweden also produced a 68 in his last event before the Ryder Cup.
