World number 10 Luke Donald showed off his ball-striking skills to move into a four-way tie for the lead on 67 after the PGA Championship first round at Wentworth today.
Donald, who plays much of his golf in the US, was joined on five-under-par by Paul Casey, Nick Dougherty and Andrew McLardy at a revamped West Course soaked by overnight rain.
Holder Angel Cabrera of Argentina, Ireland's Peter Lawrie, Briton David Howell and Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin shared fifth place on 68.
Ernie Els, the world number six who masterminded the changes to the Surrey layout, was among a host of players on 69.
It was Donald though who stole the spotlight as he hit every green in regulation in only his second appearance in the European Tour's flagship event.
"I cannot remember the last time I did that. I might have done it last year sometime but I think that's the first time this year," the 28-year-old Englishman said.
Donald said he was assisted by the preferred-lies ruling brought in for the first two rounds due to the recent heavy rainfall.
The third, sixth and 18th holes were also temporarily shortened, with standing water on several greens at the start of the day.
In-form Casey ended his round with a real flourish, birdying the par-five 17th and eagling the par-five last.
An eventful few days in Darren Clarke's career continued today with an unusual one-stroke penalty.
Clarke's level-par 72 was changed to a one-over 73 after chief referee John Paramor changed the decision of another referee out on the course.
On the 13th hole Clarke dropped his ball on his marker, which flipped over. The Ulsterman asked the referee if there was a penalty and was told there was not.
But the referee subsequently felt uneasy and spoke to Paramor, who informed Clarke at the end of the round that he had infringed the rules.
On Monday, Clarke led the Irish Open on the resumption of play and refused to accept a decision in his favour when he returned to his ball and found it in a better lie than he had left it the previous day. Agencies
