Confident Browne starts tour bid in style

STEPHEN BROWNE got his bid for two European Challenge Tour victories in a row off to a solid start at the Skandia PGA Open with an opening round of two under par 70 at the Arlandastad Golf Club, Stockholm, Sweden.

The 30-year-old Dubliner picked up his maiden professional victory at the Norwegian Challenge Open last week and his playing is full of confidence as a result.

Browne took that confidence into his first round in Sweden, going to the turn in two under 32 before coming home in level par to post an opening 68, leaving him lying just four shots behind leaders Mathew King of England and the Swede Henrik Nystrom.