David Higgins and Peter Lawrie both ended 1 over on Day One of the Perth International in Australia.

Lawrie needs to finish 35th or better to retain his tour card, while Higgins must finish 20th or better to keep his card.

At the moment they are tied for 48th which leaves them with places to make up.

Peter Hedblom , Jin Jeong, James Nitties and Clint Rice share the lead on 4 under .

Michael Hoey ended on 1 over for the day.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy has made a steady return to competitive action after taking a month off.

He shot a first round of 70 to finish the day on 1-under par at the Korea Open golf.

That leaves him three shots off the lead.