Paul McGinley got the perfect start in the United States PGA championship in Atlanta today.
The Dubliner, close to securing a Ryder Cup debut after winning the Wales Open on Sunday, hit a drive and nine-iron to four feet at the 430-yard first.
McGinley almost birdied the demanding 471-yard second, but his 30-foot attempt ended on the lip.
He moved up to eighth in the European Ryder Cup standings after the Wales Open, where he beat Daren Lee and 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie in a play-off.
Behind McGinley, England’s Ian Poulter, making his first appearance in an American major, also birdied the first, holing from eight feet, and they shared the early lead with Australian left-hander Greg Chalmers.
Poulter, last season's European Tour rookie of the year, is 12th in the Ryder Cup standings. - PA