Golf - BMW Open:Peter Lawrie was quick off the mark on the opening day of the €2million BMW Championship in Germany where he carded a six-under-par 66 to get within two shots of the overnight lead.
The Dubliner enjoyed a flawless afternoon at Munchen Eichenried venue in Munich where four birdies and an eagle stood out on his card.
Having started on the back nine the 36-year-old recorded a pair of twos at the short 12th and 17th before landing an eagle at the 18th to turn in four under 32.
He gleaned two further birdies on the front nine to be two off the joint lead held by Bradley Dredge from Wales and Scotland's Peter Whitford, who both carded 64s.
"You get the superstars on the European and American tours and probably about another 40 guys behind them trying to get where they are. I'm one of them," said the unassuming Dredge, who has won three times on tour while Whitford has yet to enter the winner’s circle.
Simon Thornton also made an ideal start to sign for a five under 67. The Tour School graduate opened with three birdies before a bogey at the fourth brought him back down to earth. An immediate birdie and second bogey at the eighth left the 33-year-old two under at the turn.
The back nine contained only birdies and pars with shots picked up at 10, 11 and the 18th.
Thornton, who was on the reserve list for this week's event, must take advantage of the opportunities and has certainly gone the right way about it at this early stage.
Gary Murphy made a decent start with his two under 70, to be one ahead of playing partners Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke plus Michael Hoey.
Damien McGrane was on the wrong side of par on one over 73, one better than Shane Lowry.
Playing partners, Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia, both had early trips to the water when they went for the green in two at the long 11th, their second hole.
While Els rallied to open with a 70, Garcia struggled badly and eventually signed for a disappointing five over 77.
The Spaniard, who a month ago in Madrid missed his first halfway cut on European soil for nearly six years, finished 22nd last week at Pebble Beach, but his problems continue.
Europe’s past and present Ryder Cup captains; Nick Faldo (76), Bernhard Langer (70) and Colin Montgomerie (70) were also in action with the latter pair making a better fist if the Munich layout, while Faldo offered some advice to Garcia.
"He's (Garcia) on a downward spiral and he has to try something different," said the six-time major winner, who took time out from his regular commentating role in the States to compete in Germany.