Tour School: There were no fireworks from any of the four Ireland players in yesterday's first round of the European Tour Final Qualifying School played over the Pals and Emporda courses on the Costa Brava.

Damien McGrane returned a one-under-par 71 at Pals, which after a four-bogey opening nine of 39 shots was in fact a good result for the Mulgannon resident. He came home in four-under-par 32, making four birdies over his final seven holes, and was a relieved man at the end of the day.

"I played better on the back nine after I struggled a bit on the front nine, where I hit a lot of bad shots. I holed a couple of nice putts so I'm happy enough. I couldn't see one under after nine but I'm happy to have it now," said McGrane. "It's a long week and there's a long way to go yet so we'll see what happens."

Michael Hoey had the same score, also at Pals, making two birdies and dropping just the one shot. "I hit the ball well out there today, I just couldn't get any of my putts to drop - I kept lipping it out today," he said.

"But I'm pleased with how I scored because it was here at this course last year where I shot 77 and lost any chance I had of getting my card, so today was good for me."

David Higgins shot 72, making two birdies and two bogeys, while Philip Walton had a one-over-par 72 at Emporda.

"I played steady but the greens were very soft and it was the same old problem - getting the ball in the hole," said Walton. "I'll just keep at it and see what we can do over the next three days."

The leaders at both courses were on seven under par, 19-year-old Swede Steven Jeppesen shooting 65 at Pals with former Tour player Magnus Persson Atlevi shooting 64 at Emporda.

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