Nicolas Colsaerts misses a 59 by millimetres

Nicolas Colsaerts narrowly failed to record the European Tour's first round of 59 as he made a blistering start at the Portugal Masters.

The Belgian almost earned a place in history as a long-range putt on the 18th green at Oceanico Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura shaved the edge of the hole.

That meant Colsaerts, who hit a European Tour record 447-yard drive last month, had to settle for a first-round 60 but it was still nevertheless a superb opening that put him in charge on 11 under.

The Belgian amassed seven birdies and two eagles, on the par four, 15th and the par five, 17th without dropping a single shot.

The best of the early Irish finishers was Europe's Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, who shot a four under, 67. Shane Lowry managed a level par 71 but Simon Thorton (76) will need a ridiculously low round to see the weekend.

Colsaerts said: “When I made eagle on 15, I knew that if I birdied the last three it would be a 59. I parred 16 and then walking down the fairway on 17, after I hit a good drive, I said to my caddie ‘it’s 59 or nothing’.

“I managed to make eagle there and then hit a good drive on the 18th. I thought the putt was going to be slightly left to right but it went straight and was basically left hanging. Too bad, because I thought it was a pretty good effort.

“I told myself over a couple of putts, especially the one for eagle on 15, to just try to switch off and trust what you’ve seen and what you feel. I’ve always felt pretty comfortable on this golf course.

“I’ve played well but it’s never clicked for me. It did today, though, and hopefully I can keep this frame of mind over the next few days.”