Defending champion Lee Westwood and Ryder Cup team-mate Graeme McDowell were the men to catch as the Maybank Malaysian Open began at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
Former World Number One Westwood romped to a seven shot victory at this venue 12 months ago, and carded four birdies in an outward 32 before gaining a further shot at the long third.
At five under par the 41 year old Englishman shared the lead with McDowell during the early stages of the first round.
Former US Open winner McDowell also started on the back nine, and having picked up shots at the tenth, 15th and 17th, started for home with consecutive gains.
The pair led by one form England’s Tommy Fleetwood, France’s Grégory Bourdy and India’s Anirban Lahiri, with Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley amongst those on three under.
Another of Europe’s Ryder Cup Team at Gleneagles, Stephen Gallacher, Race to Dubai leader Danny Willett and in-form pair Bernd Wiesberger and Marc Warren were all among the afternoon starters.
