VILAMOURA, PORTUGAL: Paul McGinley of Ireland (far left) and Richard Finch of England (second from left) cross the bidge on the 14th hole with their caddies during the first round of the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course.
Photograph by: Andrew Redington
Credit: Getty Images

Alastair Forsyth and Charl Schwartzel both shot a 7-under 65 to share a one-stroke clubhouse lead in the opening round of the Portugal Masters.

Schwartzel recorded nine birdies Thursday while Forsyth had eight, including on his last three holes, at the Oceanico Victoria Golf course in southern Portugal.

Lee Westwood was among three players on 66, despite being stung by a wasp on his right leg. Mads Vibe-Hastrup and Mark Foster were also tied for third.

Colin Montgomerie showed a return to form by making birdies on four of his first six holes to finish with a 68. The European Ryder Cup captain has failed to finish in the top 10 this year.

Padraig Harrington made five birdies before bogeys at the 17th and 18th to card a 69.