McDowell sets the pace

Graeme McDowell followed up yesterday's 65 with a 67 at The London club today to take the clubhouse lead in the European Open on 12-under-par.

The Ulsterman was two off the blistering overnight pace set by Ross Fisher's course record 63 but enjoyed six birdies today, with one bogey on the 17th tarnishing his card.

Fisher was one shot stroke off the pace after six holes on a leaderboard with a bit of an Irish feel to it. 

Dubliner Paul McGinley, who needs to finish in the mix if he is to qualify for the British Open, shot a 68 to move to seven under, while teenager Rory McIlroy carded a 71 for six-under-par.

Spain's Sergio Garcia is another who needs a big performance ahead of the Open and he came up with the goods with a 64 to move to nine under.

Darren Clarke needs a top five finish here or at next week's Scottish Open if he is to tackle Royal Birkdale, and it looks as if he'll have to wait because he was 11 shots off the pace after five holes today.

Clarke's playing partner Padraig Harrington will defend his Open title later this month but he was teetering on the edge of the projected cut at level par.

Gary Murphy is a late starter, while Peter Lawrie was worst off on five over through four.

Damien McGrane is two shots better off after a 72.