Dougherty in share of lead

English rookie Nick Dougherty and Swedish Ryder Cup player Joakim Haeggman both carded five under par rounds of 66 to share the early clubhouse lead on the opening day of the Murphy’s Irish Open at Fota Island.

They are one shot ahead of defending champion Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood and Gordon Brand Jnr, with recent French Open winner Malcolm Mackenzie among those a shot further back on three under.

Dougherty is a protégé of Nick Faldo, who first spotted him playing in the Faldo Junior Series and has coached him in all aspects of the game since.

The 20-year-old has shown glimpses of his potential in his debut season with a second place finish in the Qatar Masters, and he has already secured his tour card for next year.

A one under par outward 34 gave little hint of what was to come but Dougherty reeled off four consecutive birdies from the first, his 10th, to grab a share of the lead.

‘‘I always seem to play better in the bigger tournaments,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s a rookie’s dream to have a card so early. I’d love to go on and win a tournament this year but, if it doesn’t happen, I won’t be devastated,’’ he added.

Montgomerie was content with his 67 as he bids to win the event for a record fourth time.

‘‘I think four under is okay. The scoring is a little higher than last year but there is a reason for that.

‘‘It is much more breezy and the greens are harder. It is a lot more difficult.’’

Westwood has seen his world ranking drop from 28th at the start of the year to 95th and missed the US Open as a result.

He described the enforced break as ‘‘a blessing in disguise’’ as he managed six birdies before dropping his second shot of the round at his final hole where he was distracted by a mobile phone.