McGrane makes solid start
Ireland's Damien McGrane was off to a solid start today in the Alstom French Open at Le Golf National near Paris, sitting in a group behind leader David Lynn.
Englishman Lynn, with only one victory in approaching 350 Tour events, birdied the first, third and long ninth to turn in 33 and was one ahead of McGrane, France’s Gregory Bourdy, Thai Thongchai Jaidee, Swede Christian Nilsson and South African Jaco Van Zyl.
Last year’s Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie birdied the short 11th, his second hole, and at one under par after eight was only two behind Lynn.
Runner-up to Pablo Larrazabal on the course three years ago, Montgomerie needs a top-five finish to have a chance of claiming the one Open spot on offer.
The 48-year-old has not missed an Open since he made his debut in 1990, but finished last in a qualifying event at Sunningdale three weeks ago.
World number four Martin Kaymer, winner two years ago, was alongside Montgomerie on one under, but Ryder Cup team-mate Edoardo Molinari bogeyed three of his first seven holes.