• Wales Open, First Round

Wood sets the standard at Celtic Manor

Chris Wood plotted his way around the Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor in calculated fashion © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Siem and Dodt lead the way as Donald comes good
  
• Profile: Luke Donald | Colin Montgomerie

Chris Wood leads the way at the Wales Open after shooting a blistering six-under-par first-round 65.

The 22-year-old, shorn of his long locks, arrived in Newport intent on bouncing back from the disappointment of his final-round capitulation at the PGA Championship, where he led going into the final round before crashing to a six-over round of 77 as Simon Khan swept through the field to steal the win.

That determination shone through as he picked up three birdies in his first eight holes and then added further strokes at the fourth, seventh and eighth. The perfect day was spoiled somewhat by a birdie miss from nine feet at the last, but a solid bogey-free round highlighted the Englishman's emergence as a regular contender on the European Tour as he opened up a one-stroke lead over Australia's Andrew Dodt and local hope Bradley Dredge.

"I was hitting the ball nicely and creating a lot of chances which was great," Wood told Sky Sports. "My driving has turned into a real strong point of my game and if you can set it up off the tee then it makes life a lot easier."

The Bristol-born player has the advantage of home comforts for the week and, despite an early start, is enjoying the chance to sleep in his own bed.

"It's really nice being at home and only having to travel over the Severn Bridge to get here. I had to get up at 4.30am but it is nice to be sleeping in my own bed and not in some hotel."

Dredge looked set for a share of the lead with Wood but a bogey at the ninth - his last hole - moved the Welshman back to five under. The 36-year-old finished second in the event three years ago and is focussed on playing well as he pursues what he calls a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to play in the Ryder Cup on home soil.

"It's important for me to do well this week, especially with Colin (Montgomerie) here," Dredge said. "I had problems with my ball-striking last year but I have worked hard on that and it has been a lot better this year. I just need to keep it going for as long as I can."

Alvaro Quiros hit the shot of the day as he aced the 189-yard 3rd with a six iron, but his fragility with the putter came back to haunt him on an otherwise ordinary day. Playing partner Colin Montgomerie looked to be approaching somewhere near his best as he carded a one-under round of 70 to better the big-hitting Spaniard by one shot. The Scot's holed bunker shot at the 15th was the highlight of a productive day.

Montgomerie will not have been impressed by Luke Donald, who surged into the world's top ten on Monday after recording a victory at the Madrid Masters. Donald picked up just one birdie all day as his glorious run of form - he finished second at the PGA Championship before the Madrid win - came shuddering to a halt with a four-over 75.

Donald may have struggled on his Ryder Cup audition, but the same could not be said of Rhys Davies. Davies pushed Donald hard in Madrid, and he followed that up with a bogey-free 67 that leaves him well in the championship hunt.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.