GOLF/BMW International: Berhard Langer, like Old Man River, just keeps rolling along and nowhere are the golfing waters more likely to be in full flow than in his native Germany.

An eight-under-par 64 in yesterday's first round of the BMW International in Munich set up the chance of a 12th victory on home soil for the two-time US Masters champion, who was 45 on Tuesday.

His domestic wins include five German Opens and four German Masters but, tantalisingly, victory in his Bavarian backyard has eluded him. Severiano Ballesteros, 45, and Sandy Lyle, 44, were forced to settle for 72s and Ian Woosnam, 44, for a 74, but Langer rolled in seven of his eight birdies at successive holes, just one short of the European record.

His only concession to age is a modest loss of length, which cost him his chance of more birdies at two par-fives and a share of David Feherty's 13-year-old course record of 62.

Victory for the man in 64th place in the money list would be a timely tonic with the Ryder Cup fast approaching. In 2001 Langer won twice to climb to sixth in the money list and clinch his place, accumulating nearly £1 million prize money.

His best finish this summer was 23rd in the US PGA a fortnight ago, but he points out: "I was fourth at Hilton Head on the US Tour and although it hasn't been as good as last year, it's been steady. The golf ball doesn't know how old you are. I don't hit it as far as some of the younger guys but if I hit it solid and straight and make some putts, I can score as good as anybody. I proved that by getting into this position several times last year."

England's Robert Coles Richard Bland and Ian Poulter, who is on stand-by to line up against the United States, were a stroke behind Langer yesterday on 65.

Colin Montgomerie's back troubles, which forced him to withdraw from this event, are a worry to the captain Sam Torrance who, oddly enough, was forced to retire after nine holes yesterday with a similar injury.

"I'm next in line (for the Belfry) and very much aware of the situation," said Poulter, who dismissed suggestions that his friend Justin Rose, fifth in the money list, should be the form replacement.

"I know the rules so I don't give a monkey's. I'm not wishing ill health on anyone but if I'm called in my golf is ready and I'll do a good job."

Ironically, one almost certain Ryder Cup casualty is Langer's long-term caddie Pete Coleman, who broke his shoulder after falling off a ladder at his home earlier this month.

"I have to think about who I am going to take for the next three tournaments," said Langer who has American Russell Holden working for him this week. "Pete might just be back for the Ryder Cup but if not I would like to have someone I know."

Pre-tournament favourite Padraig Harrington had an up and down round on the way to an opening 70. The Irishman shot six birdies but also dropped four shots.

Paul McGinley, another player trying to find some form in advance of the Ryder Cup, also shot an opening 70 while Des Smyth struggled and was nine shots off the pace after a 73. - Guardian Service

First round scores

(British unless stated, Irish in bold)

(x) denotes amateurs

64 B Langer (Ger).

65 I Poulter, R Coles, R Bland.

66 T Immelman (Rsa).

67 A Butterfield, D Lynn, R Claydon, S Little, P Fowler (Aus), J Spence, K Eriksson (Swe), J Bickerton, P Platz (Ger), E Canonica (Ita), D Fichardt (Rsa).

68 T Bjorn (Den), (x) B Miarka (Ger), D Park, S Khan, S Tinning (Den), D Lee, M Tunnicliff, A Forsyth, M A Jimenez (Spa), A Cejka (Ger), S Struver (Ger), G Evans, B Lane, G Brand Jnr.

69 M Farry (Fra), T Levet (Fra), F Jacobson (Swe), T Jaidee (Tha), A Marshall, M Brier (Aut), C Suneson (Spa), F Andersson (Swe), G Owen, J Haeggman (Swe), P Golding, P Eales, G Emerson, H Bjornstad (Nor), S Webster, J Berendt (Arg), M Olander (Swe).

70 J-F Remesy (Fra), G Orr, M Gronberg (Swe), N Dougherty, D Howell, P Harrington, G Clark, R Wessels (Rsa), C Hanell (Swe), A Wall, B Dredge, P McGinley, J M Lara (Spa), M Ilonen (Fin), M Lundberg (Swe), A Coltart, M Mouland, R Muntz (Ned), D Gilford, R Karlsson (Swe), J Daly (USA), J Rose, P Price, P Senior (Aus), S Dyson, D Geall.

71 J Hugo (Rsa), R Jacquelin (Fra), S Gallacher, B Davis, G Havret (Fra), M Roe, T Johnstone (Zim), M Foster, R Green (Aus), R Russell, J Sandelin (Swe), A Oldcorn, M Mackenzie, S Kjeldsen (Den), C Pettersson (Swe), I Garbutt, D De Vooght (Bel), R S Johnson (Swe), S Gardiner (Aus), C Rodiles (Spa), J Milkha Singh (Ind), S Luna (Spa).

72 J Lomas, S Dodd, A Mednick (Swe), S Lyle, T Dier (Ger), W Bennett, N O'Hern (Aus), G Hamerton, P Baker, S Ballesteros (Spa), S Scahill (Nzl), (x) C Reimbold (Ger), M Pilkington, S Walker, M Cort, C Rocca (Ita), M James, K Ferrie, M Lafeber (Ned), P Casey, H Stenson (Swe), P Sjoland (Swe), M A Martin (Spa), M Siem (Ger), G Turner (Nzl).

73 W Huget (Ger), P Hanson (Swe), L Parsons (Aus), D Edlund (Swe), B Teilleria (Fra), D Drysdale, A Forsbrand (Swe), C Gane, J Skold (Swe), D Borrego (Spa), D Smyth, M-V Hastrup (Den), J Moseley (Aus), T Schuster (Ger), R-J Derksen (Ned), B Hume.

74 I Woosnam, M Persson Atlevi (Swe), K Baraka (Ger), M Haremza (Ger), O Karlsson (Swe), D Carter, D Botes (Rsa), M Reale (Ita).

75 S Leaney (Aus), B Dickerson (USA).

76 M Eliasson (Swe), B Rumford (Aus), C Pottier (Fra), R Porter.

77 S Delagrange (Fra), J Robinson.

78 I Hutchings (Rsa), M Davis.

Retired: S Torrance.

Withdrawn: E Simsek (Ger).