Danny Willett continued where he left off at the Open Championship with a superb start at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.
The 27-year-old from South Yorkshire, who finished in a tie for sixth at St Andrews on Monday, opened with a five-under-par 65 as regular European Tour action resumed at the spectacular Alpine venue of Crans-sur-Sierre.
Willett's round, which included an eagle and five birdies, earned him a share of the early lead along with fellow Englishmen Seve Benson and Richard Bland, and Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond.
Welshman Bradley Dredge was one of five players on four under as the morning starters - delayed by fog early on - reached the end of their first rounds. Defending champion David Lipsky, the American, was also in that group while Knaresborough's John Parry signed for a three-under 67 along with Wales' Jamie Donaldson and American Ryder Cup star Patrick Reed.
Lee Westwood, whose 42 career wins include Crans success in 1999, recovered from a poor start to reach two under with three birdies in his closing five holes while Gary Stal moved in the opposite direction. The Frenchman was five under after six holes but then fell back to two under.
Willett, who has risen to a career-high of 32 in the world rankings, was pleased with his opening.
He said: "They've tinkered with the golf course again this year so it's playing fairly tough, so anything under par was a decent score - especially given the fog delay - and 65 is very pleasing.
"It sets up quite nicely for me here. It's a good fun golf course, and a good fun week. I've got my family here with me, so it's been a nice week."
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