Lawrie makes bright start

Paul Lawrie shared the early lead at the Bay Hill Invitational in Orlando today.

Playing his first event in America since June 2004, Scotland’s 1999 Open champion birdied the 395-yard third and then on the long fourth hit an 81-yard pitch to within two feet of the hole.

At two under par, Europe’s last major winner was alongside Americans Shaun Micheel, Tom Pernice and Robert Damron, while Lee Westwood and Bernhard Langer were in the group one behind.

World number one Tiger Woods, seeking his fourth win in six starts this year and playing an event he has already conquered four times, parred his opening two holes to be alongside Darren Clarke, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia and Ernie Els.