Golf: Lee starts well in Irish Open

Danny Lee
Danny Lee
New Zealand golfer Danny Lee has started strongly in the Irish Open at Killarney today, his first round 67 leaving him three shots off the pace.

Englishman David Howell's seven-under 64 topped the leaderboard, with Australian Richard Green and Damien McGrane (Ireland) one stroke behind.

Lee racked up four birdies in easing through the first nine four under-par, and continued strongly with only a birdie at the 11th marring his scorecard until a double bogey at the 18th.

He shares 13th place with 11 others, including young Irishman Rory McIlroy, the world No 8.

Lee's fellow New Zealander, Mark Brown, had an up-and-down first round which included three birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey to end up with a one-over 72.

Former US Open winner Michael Campbell joins Brown in a share of 82nd place after also shooting 72.