Paul McGinley's battling fightback from a start he called a "disaster" left the Dubliner happy to be at soaking Slaley Hall yesterday. Earlier, when he had double bogeyed his first hole following a 32-hour delay to mop up the course, McGinley wondered whether staying in Europe had been a better idea than trying to qualify for the US Open this week.
However, after a brave comeback he knew he had made the right decision as he finished just two strokes off the lead after half the field had completed their first rounds. His two-under-par 67 was just two worse than Spain's Diego Borrego who is one shot ahead of the field.
McGinley fully deserved his return at a course shortened by three shots because of water logging at three holes. His early mistake was caused by a duffed drive, a poor second shot into a bunker and the inevitable three putts.
Three birdies came in succession from the 14th, his fifth and he added two more directly after the turn. Even when he bogeyed the seventh he knew his form might be good enough to lift the £108,330 first prize this weekend in a tournament now reduced to three rounds.
"My mistake at the start was a lot down to lack of concentration after hanging around for nearly two days," said McGinley. "It was a bit of a disaster because the 10th is the easiest hole on the course, a real kick in the teeth. But I was happy that I showed a lot of character getting things back."
Eamonn Darcy was happy just being able to play. The Druids Glen professional very nearly pulled out when his back started playing up again. This time it was a muscle spasm but he gamely battled on to return a 68.
Des Smyth returned a 70, there was a 73 for Francis Howley but Christy O'Connor junior will take no further part, complaining of a pulled shoulder muscle by the time he started to come home six strokes over par.
The other half of the field will only be able to begin their first rounds this morning. Among the early risers will be Philip Walton - like McGinley looking for a big cheque this week to boost his British Open qualifying chances - Raymond Burns and Ronan Rafferty.
