Walton struggles at St Omer Open

While Jay Haas was taking an early lead in the US Open, the man who defeated him in the Ryder Cup ine years ago was struggling in France.

Philip Walton, who holed a crucial putt to seal victory for Great Britain and Europe, posted a four-over par 75.

Meanwhile, Kyron Sullivan has re-discovered his focus after admitting he was dazzled by the good life.

The 27-year-old Welshman defied the blustery conditions in France to post a blistering five-under-par 66 in the first round of the Aa St Omer Open.

Sullivan, in his first year on the Challenge Tour, signed off by chipping in at the ninth for an eagle three.

Starting out at the 10th, he came home in 33 after birdies at the sixth, seventh and eighth holes.

Sullivan is adamant he has got his game back in order after a difficult time.

Earlier in the season he finished fifth in the Costa Rica Open then fourth a week later in Guatemala.

He said: “I got a bit fazed by the money side of things. Everyone flashes pound signs at you.

“You start thinking about cars, houses and boats rather than about playing golf.

“I started changing but you have to believe in yourself and I have settled down now.”

Sullivan played superbly while others struggled, thanks to some winter work-outs on the coast at Porthcawl.

“I like playing in the wind and you get those conditions in Wales, “ he said.

“Through the winter I tend to play Porthcawl quite a lot when I have the time.”

Sullivan holds a one-shot lead over Benn Barham, who is attached to Chart Hills in Kent.

Like Sullivan he finished in style with successive birdies at the final two holes.

His seven-iron at the short 17th ended 20 feet from the hole and he sunk the putt.

Then at the last Barham knocked a pitching wedge to within 12 feet and picked up another shot to come home in 32 and finish four under.

Barham, who finished 23rd in the Challenge Tour event in Spain last week, was satisfied with his performance after a round that included six birdies and two bogeys.

“I am pleased because the wind was strong and the greens are really hilly,” he said.

“But I gave myself about five or six birdie chances and took the majority of them, so I am happy with my start.”

Simon Dyson, the highest-ranked player in the field at 62 on the Volvo Order of Merit, had to settle for a one-under par 70.