Golf:Back on the Gut Larchenhof course where he was victorious two years ago, Soren Hansen produced a 65 late in the day to move into a one shot lead over the field after the first round of the Mercedes-Benz Championship.

On a course that has seen rounds of 60 and 61 in the past, the 35-year-old - starting his campaign to be part of Colin Montgomerie’s Ryder Cup side next year a week later than most - sank a 12-footer for eagle at the 509-yard 13th and made five birdies.

Hansen, who also began with a 65 when he won in 2007, said: “It seemed silly easy.

“I played tremendously when I won here and I’ve always liked this place. I just kept giving myself chances.”

The 21-year-old Wood, fifth in the British Open as an amateur last year and third at Turnberry in July, is one ahead of compatriot Ross Fisher, Scotland’s David Drysdale, South African James Kingston and Australian Scott Strange in the elite 78-man event which has no halfway cut.

The Bristol golfer was only two-under at the turn, but then had a hat-trick of birdies from the 11th and added another on the long 15th.

“I felt completely in control the whole way round,” said Wood, still in his first full season on the European Tour.

“It’s difficult the first year when you’re not getting into every tournament, but I sort of feel I’ve settled into it.”

Of the Irish contingent, both Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke are two under after 70s.

Paul McGinley and Damien McGrane are level par after posting 72s, Shane Lowry is three over after a 75, while Gareth Maybin and Michael Hoey both carded 76s.

Lee Westwood, who opened with a 61 on his last visit two years ago, and Henrik Stenson, the two highest-ranked players in the field, both carded 70s to lie on two under.

Ryder Cup captain Montgomerie, without a top 10 finish since June last year, is level par, while 52-year-old tournament host Bernhard Langer recovered from a double bogey five at the 191-yard fourth to post a 71.