Dredge title defence begins in fine style

Bradley Dredge made the perfect start to the defence of his title in the weather-affected Omega European Masters in Switzerland today.

Play was called off for the day at 8pm local time, leaving around 40 players to complete their first rounds tomorrow.

It was not a good day for the Irish, with McDowell’s two-over-par 73 proving to be the best showing.

After a two-hour delay due to overnight frost, Dredge carded a five-under-par 66 to take the clubhouse lead by two shots over Scandinavian Masters winner Mikko Ilonen and Australian Marcus Fraser.

Sweden’s Robert Karlsson was a shot further back on two under after a 69, easily the best placed of the five members of last year’s Ryder Cup team competing in the first qualifying event for next year’s contest at Valhalla.

Playing partners Darren Clarke and David Howell both struggled to rounds of 75, four over par, while Lee Westwood and Paul Casey were among the later starters battling to complete their rounds before dark. Both were two over par with five to play.