Lawrie leads the way in Celadna

Peter Lawrie leads a trio of Irishmen paving the way in the opening stages of the first round of the Czech Open.

Competing at the Prosper Golf Resort in Celadna, Lawrie did not drop a shot en route to carding a six-under-par round of 66.

Starting at the 10th hole, Lawrie conjured up birdies in three of the last five - the fifth, sixth and eighth on the course – to make himself the early leader.

The 37-year-old Dubliner, runner-up at this event last year, was followed by countrymen Damien McGrane and Shane Lowry with rounds of 67 and 68 respectively, both only dropping one shot.

Lowry’s highlight, in particular, was an eagle at the 576-yard, par-five fifth hole, the 14th of his round after also starting at the 10th.

The Irish trio were followed by a group of players on three under that notably included Scottish duo Gary Orr and Richie Ramsay.

England’s Jamie Elson, Steve Webster and Richard McEvoy, as well as Scotland’s Steven O’Hara, are then in a large group of players on two under.

The leading player in the field, Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez who is world ranked 34, seemingly faces a fight to make the cut after a four-over par round of 76.