US TOUR: Des Smyth got off to a comfortable start to his new career on the US Champions Tours when he posted a two-under-par 70 in the opening round of the ACE Group Classic at TwinEagles Golf Club, Florida, yesterday.
That left Smyth, a 29-year veteran of the European Tour, in joint 19th place, four shots behind leader Vincente Fernandez.
"It's nice to be a rookie again," Smyth said. "I went from being the oldest guy (on the European Tour) to the youngest out here."
Smyth will be trying to become just the 11th player in Champions Tour history to win in his first start, and the first q-school medallist to win in his debut appearance.
Meanwhile, Darren Clarke completed his first round in the rain and fog-delayed Buick Invitational tournament over Torrey Pines north course yesterday, shooting a four-under-par 68 to be three off the pace behind leader Arron Oberholser.
Tiger Woods completed his first full round of competitive golf in two months, shooting a two-under par 70.
Clarke was unable to force any more birdies from the course on the back nine, missing chances at two par fives.
"I wasted a few shots this morning," he said.
"At the 14th I hit it on the green to about 35 feet and three-putted, and then I missed a chance at the next and hit a great putt at the 16th from 10 feet but missed that as well."
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