Irish contingent off to a flyer

MEATH native Damien McGrane capped an outstanding day for the eight-strong Irish contingent in the first round of the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama when he birdied the 18th for a three under par 68 to join Graeme McDowell in 2nd place in the €€3 million event.

While McGrane was undoubtedly delighted with a blemish-free start to the event, he had good reason to rue some gilt edged chances that he created, most notably at the par 3 15th where he hit an immaculate four iron to six feet but missed the putt for a two.

However, he made up for the lapse in spades with the birdie at the last which followed previous gains at the 3rd and 14th and fifteen safe pars.