Fasth quick off the mark in Wales

Swede Niclas Fasth had the distinction today of achieving the first eagle when the Wales Open switched to the new course on which the 2010 Ryder Cup will be staged.

It was not a conventional one either. Having started with a bogey six on the long 11th — half the field were teeing off there — Fasth's approach to the 458-yard 12th landed by the hole and then disappeared into it.

After a delay of one hour 45 minutes waiting for fog to clear at Celtic Manor, Fasth's shot put him one behind early leaders Jose Manuel Lara and Benn Barham.

The Spaniard picked up birdies at the second and fourth, while Barham birdied the third and fourth.

Others on one under par included Colin Montgomerie, defending champion Richard Sterne and Welsh trio Bradley Dredge, David Park and Phillip Price.

Montgomerie was looking to hit straight back after missing the halfway cut in last week's PGA Championship at Wentworth for the first time since his 1989 debut — and from losing his position as top Scot in the world rankings to Alastair Forsyth.

Dredge bogeyed the last hole of the adjoining Roman Road course to lose by one to Sterne last year, but like Montgomerie he kicked off with a four on the 562-yard 11th.

Danny Willett, however, began his professional debut with a bogey six. The 20-year-old reached number one in the world amateur rankings and in his first two appearances on the European Tour came 19th and 10th before making a decision last week to switch to the paid ranks.

It was nearly seven years ago Europe's Ryder Cup committee announced the match was to be staged in Wales for the first time, but it was also decided nine new holes would be needed and with it a new clubhouse overlooking the green at the 613-yard 18th.

Total investment in the complex will amount to €20 million come the time of the match.

Top attraction this week — and making his debut in the event — is Open champion Padraig Harrington. He was among the later starters.

There have been reports of a hefty appearance fee for the Dubliner, but the prize fund has also been increased to a record €2 million.