Birr's Richard Coughlan got off to a solid start in the Canadian Open yesterday shooting a two-under-par 70, four shots behind clubhouse leader Chris Smith and in the top 20.

Coughlan needs a top-10 finish to better his chances of retaining his USPGA Tour card. Ireland's other competitor, Bray's Keith Nolan, didn't fare so well carding a 75, and looks like missing another cut.

Smith is followed by a posse of six players on four under, including Scott Verplank and then a further six at three-under including Jeff Sluman, Phil Blackmar and Fuzzy Zoeller.