Michael (66) takes lead in Euro Tour opener

Anthony Michael during the opening round of the Dunhill Links Championship.

MALELANE, South Africa – Anthony Michael of South Africa shot a 6-under 66 Thursday to lead after the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship, the opening European Tour tournament.

Michael made seven birdies and a bogey at Leopard Creek Country Club for a one-shot advantage in the first event of the 2011 Race to Dubai.

England’s Robert Rock, Germany’s Sebastian Buhl, Norway’s Marius Thorp and South Africa’s Dawie van der Walt, all shot 67s.

Defending champion Pablo Martin of Spain opened with a 69.

British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, the highest ranked player in the field at No. 24, shot a 76 after making two double-bogeys and two bogeys in his first nine holes.