Reigning Irish Open winner, Paul Casey said he was ‘in heaven’ after grabbing an eagle in his round of 65 to be sharing second place on six under par after the first day of the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.

Casey shares second countryman and last fortnight’s Johnnie Walker Championship winner, Tommy Fleetwood along with former Alpine winner, Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Paul Casey says he’s in heaven after starting with a 65 on day one of the Omega European Masters. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“To start with a 65 has beautiful ring to it,” said Casey.

“I’ve never played up here when it has been as beautiful as this. The golf course is absolutely perfect. It is pure and I played wonderful golf. I enjoyed it thoroughly. It is heaven up here.”

India’s Anirban Lahiri battled a heavily strapped right knee in posting a best score of 63 to lead the field by two shots at eight under par (See earlier story on Lahiri).

Fleetwood is hoping to build on his first European Tour victory in Scotland, and has put his missed cut in Wales last week behind him.

“I felt a lot better about my game from Monday onwards,” Fleetwood said.

“It was a hard week in Wales. I wasn’t prepared for how hectic it would be.

“It was my first win in Scotland and so last week was a big comedown, but hopefully I’ll be more prepared for my next win.”

Denmark’s Thomas Björn, the 2011 champion, is a shot further back following a flawless 66, while Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey, both winners this season, and 2012 European Ryder Cup Captain José María Olázabal are among a group of six players on four under par