Paul McGinley’s Ryder Cup prospects were given a timely boost when the Dubliner shot a five-under par 67 to move into a share of the first-round lead at the Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open today.
The Dubliner currently lies 10th in the European team standings- the last automatic qualifying place - with just three counting events remaining on the European Tour after this week.
He shares the lead in the rain-delayed event with Scotland’s Paul Lawrie, who played his way onto the 1999 Ryder Cup team with victory in the Open Championship at Carnoustie the same year.
One bogey and two birdies helped McGinley reach the turn in one-under 35 before he made significant progress on the inward half. He picked up birdie threes at the 13th, 15th and 16th and signed off with a birdie at the 554-yard par five 18th.
Lawrie’s card was equally impressive with the only dropped shot coming at the short 12th, but he surrounded it with six birdies and the rest pars.
They lead by one shot from one of the home favourites, Jamie Donaldson, who despite starting his round with a double-bogey at the first carded a four-under par 68.
David Higgins was one of the early starters and, although threatening the lead on two-under at one stage, he had to settle for a one-over par 73.
Des Smyth, who defied his age to finish tied 13th in the Open at Lytham three weeks ago, returned a 74. Philip Walton missed a sponsor’s opportunity as he carded a six-over par 78, the same score as the Druid’s Glen touring professional Eamonn Darcy after 13 holes.
Kilkenny’s Gary Murphy gets his first round under way at 2:50 p.m.