Ireland's Paul McGinley and Philip Walton showed a welcome return to form when shooting 68 and 69 respectively on the opening round of the rain lashed TNT Dutch Open at Hilversum yesterday. The top of the leaderboard saw a six-way tie on four under par 67 between Argentinian duo Angel Cabrera and Eduardo Romero, Spain's Ignacio Garrido, Holland's Rolf Muntz, Italian Emanuele Canonica and Japan's Katsuyoshi Tomori.
McGinley was just one off the lead after a 68 alongside Lytham's Paul Eales, who posted five birdies in an inward half of 30, and Crewe's David Gilford.
Walton also showed some of his old sparkle in his two under par 69 with Eamon Darcy on level par 71. Darren Clarke, still feeling the after effects of the British Open, is on one over par while Des Smyth is one behind on 73 and John McHenry on 75.
Romero's 67, which contained six birdies and two bogeys, was one of his best rounds of the season but he was more pleased by the progress of his friend Cabrera, who he took under his wing more than 20 years ago.
"I knew very early that he could be a good player while he was a young caddie at my course." said Romero.
"I encouraged him to play and when he came on the European Tour I helped him financially as you need a lot of money to play over here, so I'm happy to see his results."
Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal struggled to a 74 while Lee Westwood carded 72.
Meanwhile, Mark James revealed that he has delayed his decision on whether to give up the Ryder Cup captaincy in order to play in the European team in September.
James, currently ninth in the qualifying points standings, had originally planned to make an announcement at next week's European Open at the K Club. But the 45-year-old's indifferent recent form - he finished 43rd at the Open - has prompted him to put off his choice until his position his clearer.
"At the moment things aren't going so well," said James after a one-over-par 72. "I'm having a poorish run and not hitting much form. There's not going to be an announcement next week."
James's decision appears sensible given the fact that after this week players will have four more chances to earn Ryder Cup points and less than 700 points (around £50,000) separates himself in ninth and Patrik Sjoland in 20th in the table.
