Rory McIlroy will be leading the Irish challenge at the BMW International Open in Germany over the coming days.

SHANE LOWRY believes too much is being expected of Rory McIlroy as the Northern Irishman tees up for only his third major tournament.

Graeme McDowell will head into the BMW Asian Open full of confidence after a solid performance saw him claim a tie for second place at the Volvo China Open.

Thousands of golfing fans have descended on the K Club in Co Kildare to watch the first day of practice for the Ryder Cup.

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano described his victory in the BMW Asian Open as “unbelievable”, adding the last two years have been the most eventful of his young life.

Colin Montgomerie’s bid to play in next month’s Masters has taken him to the Far East where he hopes a successful defence of his TCL Classic title will provide the necessary boost to qualify for the first major of the year.

PADRAIG HARRINGTON takes a week off before partnering Paul McGinley in next week’s $4m World Cup in Seville, Darren Clarke sets out for South Africa via Japan for a money-spinning end to his season — and 168 hopefuls make their way to San Roque in Spain for the European Tour’s final qualifying school, simply hoping to be able to rub shoulders with the stars in 2005 (the top 35 and ties will do so).

Venus Williams claimed her 31st career title and second this year when she emphatically won the J&S Cup clay court tournament in Warsaw.

England’s Lee Westwood is looking leaner, meaner and far more confident than he was at this stage last year as he heads into the SAA Open.

Tim Henman made a winning return to action today with victory over Ecuador’s Nicolas Lapentti at the BMW Open in Munich.

BMW Open leaderboard:

BMW Open leaderboard:

BMW Open leaderboard:

BMW Open leaderboard:

BMW Open leaderboard:

BMW Open Leaderboard:

BMW Open Leaderboard:

BMW Open Leaderboard:

BMW Open Leaderboard:

BMW Open Leaderboard

BMW Open latest leaderboard:

Latest scores at the BMW Open in Germany.

Latest scores at the BMW Open in Germany.

Latest scores at the BMW Open in Germany.

Latest scores at the BMW Open in Germany.

Bernhard Langer holds a one shot lead in the first round of the BMW Open in Germany.

Bernhard Langer shares the lead with Ian Poulter in the first round of the BMW Open.

Padraig Harrington is on level par after nine holes in the first round of the BMW Open in Germany.

Latest leading positions in first round of the BMW International Open, Nord-Eichenried Golf Club, Munich.

COLIN MONTGOMERIE has pulled out of the BMW International Open in Munich to rest his injured back.

Colin Montgomerie has pulled out of this week’s BMW International Open in Munich to rest his back.

Colin Montgomerie has pulled out of the BMW International Open in Munich to rest his injured back.

Colin Montgomerie has pulled out of the BMW International Open in Munich to rest his injured back.

There is a tie for the lead at the BMW International Open.

The first round of the BMW International Open is underway in Munich today.

Czech player Jiri Novak captured his first title in more than three years at the BMW Open in Munich.