Aberdonian David Law took to the overtaking lane on one of the toughest courses all season to post a three-under par 69 on day one of the weather delayed Porsche European Open in Germany.

Law, 30, who teed-up in the event for a first time and also without a full practice round, grabbed six birdies and half as many bogeys to end the day in a fourway share of second place on the Green Eagle course to the south-east of Hamburg.

Belgium’s Thomas Detry, who revealed he spent last week gardening rather than practicing, heads the Covid-reduced 54-hole event with a four-under par 68 and on a day when some 75-mins were lost to play just after 4.30pm local time.

David Law posts a opening round 69 to be among four players just one shot off the lead at the Porsche European Open

Law started his round par, birdie, bogey, birdie and bogey before settling down to birdie the seventh and ninth holes, and while he bogeyed 13 Law birdied the prior ‘unseen’ back-to-back par-5s at 15 and 16.

He said:  “It’s probably up there with the toughest courses we’ve played all year.

“So, I’m pretty happy to end the round at three under par.  I wasn’t particularly fresh this morning as I travelled down from Denmark last night, so to shoot 69, I’m really happy.

“I actually managed to play 14 holes late yesterday (Friday) but was starting to feel tired, so I didn’t get to play the last four and today was playing them blind, and to play them in two-under is really pleasing.

“On the whole, I’ve been pretty good tee to green for the last little while and just haven’t holed any putts. Today I actually holed some, so it was nice to see the ball going in. That’s what pleased me most”.

The Covid travel restrictions in place in Germany have meant the staging of a 54-hole event and with the cut to be made later today (SUNDAY) at the close of the second round ahead of a Monday finish.

One of those who couldn’ travel was legendary Scottish caddy Craig ‘Wee Man’ Connelly who has been Martin Kaymer’s long-time caddy, and with the crowd favourite, double major winning German arranging for his brother, Philip to caddy ahead of ‘Wee Man’ linking-up with Kaymer at next week’s U.S. Open.

Law said:  “I’ll treat this week like every other week though it is more of a sprint this week, you need to get off to a fast start and continue.

“On this course you can’t get aggressive, you need to stick to your game plan but at the same time you’re semi-conscious of the fact it’s only 54 holes this week so you need to make birdies when you can”.

Scott Jamieson was two-under early but dropped two shots mid-round ahead of three birdies over his closing four holes in a score of 70.

Borders David Dyrsdale was next best of the Scots with a 72, Stevie Gallacher a 74, Connor Syme a 75, and after being two-under par early, and with Calum Hill a 76 and Richie Ramsay a 77.