Home favourite Bernhard Langer impressed the galleries with a flawless opening 64 to seize the early lead on day one of the BMW International Open in Germany today.
Langer, who will play in his 10th Ryder Cup at the Belfry next month, had a remarkable run of seven birdies in-a-row to help his score at the Nord-Eichenried venue.
Starting on the back nine, the 45-year-old picked up his first birdie at the 15th before adding another at the 18th. From there Langer rattled six more from the first as he devoured the front nine in six-under, just 30 strokes.
English duo Ian Poulter and Robert Coles share second, one shot behind Langer on seven-under. Poulter is the player on standby for the Belfry showpiece against the Americans should any of Sam Torrance’s men pull out.
In times when many of the European team have struggled to find form, Torrance’s woes have been made no easier with news of Colin Montgomerie’s ongoing back problems. The Scot, one of Torrance’s ‘rocks’ in the team, was forced to pull out of this week’s event.
Flambouyant American John Daly returns to Germany to defend his title. The two-time major winner set a European Tour winning record of 27-year-under on his way to victory last year and is one of the afternoon starters this time around.
Ryder Cup player Paul McGinley was the first Irishman to complete his round, and did so in two-under 70. A solid start should give the Dubliner the necessary platform to build on, not only a good week’s work, but a much needed confidence boost.
Padraig Harrington matched McGinley’s score, leaving both well placed among the morning starters. Des Smyth got under way from the 10th tee and the Drogheda veteran was one-under after three holes following a birdie at the 11th.
Seve Ballesteros carded a fine level par 72 on his return to tournament golf following his humbling departure at the Irish Open in July. The 45-year-old ran up a 12 on the final hole on his way to an 89 and was later disqualified for signing for the wrong score.
The 45-year-old proceeded to withdraw from the Open at Muirfield sparking rumours he would retire. Not so on this evidence.