Lawrie best of the Irish in Andalucía Masters

Peter Lawrie is the leading Irishman of the Andalucía Masters in Spain.

Lawrie carded a one-under par 70 for his opening round, which leaves him five shots behind out-right leader, Richie Ramsey of Scotland.

The 28-year-old from Aberdeen made a blistering start and stormed to six under through 11 holes before another birdie at the 15th was offset by his only bogey at the par-five 17th.

Ross Fisher is second, two shots back. The Englishman had seven birdies, including four after a disastrous seven at the par-four eighth derailed his promising start.

Sergio Garcia continued his fine form after easing to two under through 10.

The Spaniard, who was the runaway winner at the Castello Masters last weekend, picked up three birdies against one bogey, also through 10.

Defending champion Graeme McDowell limped to a two over 73 while Germany’s Martin Kaymer, the world number six and highest-ranked player in the event, shot a level-par 71.