Paraguay's Fabrizio Zanotti set the pace early in the day with five birdies from the 11th, and his lead was matched only by Britain's Richard McEvoy, who covered the back nine in four under.

But McGowan shot past the early pace setters to take the first round lead, just as he did only two weeks ago at the Madrid Masters where his opening 64 took him to the top of the leaderboard - although this time he'll be hoping he can hang on to his advantage for the whole event.

Having suffered from shoulder injuries over the past 18 months, the Englishman is only just beginning to get his form back ever since winning the Madrid Masters in 2009.

"There's something about Spain I like," the 29 year-old said.

"Probably because my shoulder enjoys some sun on it.

"This course suits me, too, because I don't have to hit many drivers. My shoulder doesn't like the strain. I've found plenty of uses for the four wedges in my bag, though."

Meanwhile fellow countryman Tom Lewis, who won the Portugal Masters last week and for whom this is only his fourth start since turning professional, completed his round at level par.

Suffering from a virus but still determined to play, the British prodigy, just 20 years old, scored four successive birdies but admitted that he was finding it tough.

"It's not just the head, the course isn't really set up for me. It's very tricky and narrow, not like last week at Victoria where the fairways are wider and the greens bigger," he said.