Virginia Water, Surrey … Graeme McDowell expressed a new fondness for the famed ‘Burma Road’ course in shooting his lowest opening round since 2005 on day one of the BMSW PGA Championship.
McDowell had moved to four under par through 14 holes but dropped the only shot of his round at the 15th.
It left the former US Open winner just four shots from the leading trio of Aussie Scott Hend, Korean and 2009 PGA Champion Y E Yang and in-form Dutchman Joost Luiten.
“I am happy to break 70 as it’s not been a good golf course for me generally,” said G Mac.
G Mac talks with SKY’s Tim Barter post his round of 69.
“However the set-up is a lot different this year and I also feel much more comfortable on the greens, much more comfortable than I have in years gone by.
“Also I have been resting up the last few nights post last week’s Irish Open.
“I let my concentration slip at the K. Club over the weekend and I was disappointed at myself for doing that.
“I am not a guy who throws the towel in, my concentration got away from me with the stop-start and the tough weather on the weekend.
“So I was coming in here re-motivated and having rested-up and got some good work done and I’m generally very happy.”
Belfast’s Michael Hoey posted a 70 while Waterville’s David Higgins a 75 and Birr’s Colm Moriatry a 76.
Paul McGinley signed for a 78 while his European Team Captain successor Darren Clarke had just one birdie in a 79.
Clontarf’s Matthew Brady was three shots further back with an 84.
