Peter Lawrie leads the Irish challenge on the opening day of the the Lyoness open in Austria.

He carded a bogey-free 4-under par round of 68 today to sit just three off the lead, which is held by Frenchman Gregory Bourdy.

Simon Thornton also enjoyed an impressive opening day after he finished on 2-under par.

Meanwhile, Graeme McDowell has slipped off the pace during his first round at the FedEx St. Jude Classic in Memphis.

A double-bogey on his 13th hole has seen the Ulsterman slump to 5-over par.

England's Greg Owen leads the way on 6-under.

Padraig Harrington will tee-off later this hour as he targets qualification for next week's US Open.