FORMER Ryder Cup players Gordon Brand Junior and David Gilford made the early running as the Murphy's Irish Open teed off at Fota Island in County Cork today.
Brand made the perfect start when he holed out with a nine-iron approach for an eagle at the 409-yard, par-four opening hole.
The Scot followed up with a hat-trick of birdies from the third to lead on five under par after eight.
Gilford picked up an eagle at the par-five fourth to add to two early birdies as he reached four under par after six.
Colin Montgomerie made a good start to his bid for a record fourth Irish Open title. Having started at the 10th, the defending champion picked up three birdies in his first seven holes.
Worcestershire's John Bickerton was one shot over par after 13 holes, while Hereford's David Park was also one over after five. Jeremy Robinson of Evesham was one of the later starters.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article