Fred Funk vindicated his decision to take part in the Mayakoba Golf Classic after carding a brilliant eight-under-par 62 to open up a two-shot lead after the first round at the Riviera Maya-Cancun course in Mexico.

Loren Roberts, aiming to become the first player to win the first three events of the Champions Tour season, ended the second round of the ACE Group Classic in Florida tied for the lead.

A record prize fund of €3.3million – up €145,000 on last year – will be on offer at the Smurfit European Open at The K Club this summer.

Former Ryder Cup captain Mark James has backed Ian Woosnam ahead of Nick Faldo to lead Europe at the K Club in Ireland next year.

IRELAND’S Des Smyth makes his European Seniors Tour debut when he tees up in the £500,000 Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open, at Royal St David’s, Harlech, from Friday.