Henrik Stenson was pleased to continue his fine BMW International Open record with an opening four under par 68 at Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof.
The 2006 winner has been runner-up in Germany the last two years, at set up another title tilt by finishing the opening round three shots behind leader Raphaël Jacquelin.
Five birdies and a single bogey, which came via a three-putt at the tenth, left Stenson well placed in a tie for sixth.
“I'm pretty pleased with that,” he said. “The rough is really thick here this year and a lot of emphasis is on hitting fairways and greens, and I think I did that.
“I think I hit all fairways on the par fives and hit them all in two and two-putted them. That's where I made most of my score today.
“I wasn't really in trouble many times, other than a missed wedge on ten.
“It's always a bit tricky to get your irons spot on when the breeze is on. I think it went from probably half a club to just a little bit more, a club and a half, something like that. It was a little tricky at times but I think I managed pretty well.
“I can feel my right knee a little bit but it's hopefully nothing bad. I hope it's kind of settled in. Otherwise, eventually I will have to have another MRI to see if I made some damage to it. I hope not, but so far, so good.”
