• Wales Open, Round One

McDowell shines again at Celtic Manor

Graeme McDowell fired a 63 and 64 over the weekend at this tournament last year © Getty Images

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Graeme McDowell gave himself a chance of yet more success at Celtic Manor by firing a four-under 67 on the first day of the Wales Open.

Last year's winner McDowell, who played a pivotal role in Europe's Ryder Cup success at the course, is three shots behind clubhouse leader Keith Horne.

McDowell's 2010 triumph laid the platform for his success at the US Open two weeks later, and he again proved his game is in fine shape ahead of the year's second major.

Beginning on the 11th tee, McDowell birdied the 12th, gave the shot back on the 14th - and then peaked with an eagle at 15. The Ulsterman, who was imperious off the tee all day, drove the ball onto the green before rolling in a 30-foot putt. He went on to pass up a few birdie opportunities on the greens before coming home with successive birdies at six and seven.

"I felt like I played pretty well, I drove the ball solidly and there was some decent iron play," he told Sky Sports. "Went a little cold with the putter in the middle of the round, could have made a few more, but generally very happy. The course is just tough enough - you get off line, you'll pay the price.

"It's been a busy week, with a lot of media commitments, but I had a good practice round and the game's in decent shape - I've been working hard on my golf swing recently."

Peter Hanson, one of McDowell's Ryder Cup team-mates last year, fired a 65 to claim sole possession of second place. Another of Colin Montgomerie's charges, Ross Fisher, has a chance of playing at the US Open after finishing at one-under.

The world No. 52, who must sneak into the top 50 by the end of next week to play at Congressional, picked up three birdies between 15 and 18 - as well as one at the fourth - but was hindered by bogeys at one, 12 and 13.

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