McGinley suffers poor start

Paul McGinley, joint first round leader in the Benson and Hedges International Open at The Belfry last year, made a rather different start on his return.

The Ryder Cup Dubliner, who eventually finished second to Swede Henrik Stenson 12 months ago, was furious when he opened with a double bogey six at the 311-yard 10th.

A wrong club selection for his second shot saw the ball bury itself in the bunker over the green and from there he narrowly avoided going into the stream that has claimed many famous victims over the years.

His chip back ran nine feet past the flag and missing the putt meant he instantly fell four behind early leader Marten Olander, of Sweden.

A repeat of his opening 66 last May seemed a long way off. Olander, who jointly led the French Open after one round last week, began on the front nine and birdied the second and third to establish a one-stroke advantage over a group which included Dane Thomas Bjorn, Welshman Jamie Donaldson and former Ryder Cupper Barry Lane.

Jose Maria Olazabal, winner on the course two years ago, kicked off with a seven-foot birdie putt at the 10th, but bogeyed the short 12th.

Playing partner Andrew Oldcorn also birdied the 10th, but he then dropped shots at the next two holes in the cold, damp conditions.