America's Steve Pate got off to a flying start with a solo first-round lead in the Hassan II Golf Trophy at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, Morocco.

His 6-under-par 67 puts him level with the tournament's 18-hole record and positions him at the top of the leaderboard.

The 62-year-old is now in contention to win his first-ever PGA Tour Champions.

However, the competition remains tough with Steve Allan and Mark Hensby closely behind Steve.

Elsewhere, the defending champion, Stephen Ames lies in 17th after round one.

The second round comes off on Friday and promises many unexpected turn of events.