McIlroy four shots off lead at British Masters

Ireland's Rory McIlroy has made a good start to his first tournament as a professional golfer today.

The 18-year-old Co Down man carded a three-under-par opening-round 69 at the British Masters to finish up four shots adrift of early leader Jarno Sandelin.

Elsewhere, Paul McGinley carded a two-under-par 70, Graeme McDowell was level par after 17 holes, Gary Murphy was one over after 15 and Darren Clarke finished the day on two over par.