Caldwell in British Masters mix as UK Swing tees off

David Law of Scotland plays his tee shot on the 16th hole during Day 1 of the Betfred British Masters at Close House Golf Club on July 22, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Spending part of the lockdown enjoying the beauties of Rosapenna—even without golf—did Jonny Caldwell little harm as he opened with a four-under 67 to lie just three shots off the lead in the Betfred British Masters.

The 36-year old enjoyed some downtime at a holiday home in the stunning Donegal enclave and return to action following the COVID-19 break determined to make the best of it.

"It was great to be back at it," said the Clandeboye man, who birdied the sixth, seventh and tenth, then followed a bogey at the 11th with birdies at the last two holes to share ninth place on four=under.

"I played lovely from tee to green," added the former Walker Cup player, who was pleased to see a 20 footer drop for birdie at the 17th. "I didn't do much wrong the birdie-birdie finish was nice to get because it's what I think what my round deserved in the end."

Scotland's David Law made seven birdies in a bogey-free 64 at Close House near Newcastle to lead by one stroke from Italy's Renato Paratore and English duo Oliver Fisher and Garrick Porteous as Eddie Pepperell shot 67, defending champion Marcus Kinhult a 69 and host Lee Westwood a one-under 70.

Like Caldwell, Paul Dunne also finished well, picking up shots at the 16th and 17th to card a level par 71 in his first start following wrist surgery nine months ago.

The Greystones man ended the day tied for 74th while Cormac Sharvin, who also birdied the 16th and 17th, was tied for 100th with Gavin Moynihan on two-over after they posted 73's.

David Law (SCO) - 64 (-7)
"I was playing steady. You might not be sure what to expect coming in today after the long break. I was delighted with that. It's still a little strange, but the Tour have done a fantastic job. So far I think it's gone really well. The club has hosted us really well. It's a new time for us, we're all learning and we'll all have to get used to it. The whole week so far has been very positive."

Oliver Fisher (ENG) - 65 (-6)
"I added my score up at the end and it's weird to think I've shot 65 today -- obviously I'm chuffed about it. It's weird to be back and playing professional golf. Delighted with my score. I started off okay, the pins here and the greens are quite tricky in places, they tuck them and there are ridges on the edges of the greens where it can fall off, and they can catch you out. There was a little bit of rain and it was quite fiery, there was a bit of a skid going, so with wedges early on it was hard to get close."

Renato Paratore (ITA) - 65 (-6)
"Today I played really solid. I had a bogey-free round and played really well from tee to green. I started really well with three birdies, I saved a couple of pars with some really good putts -- a solid round. It was a good way to come back. It was good to know the European Tour was starting again. It wasn't easy during the lockdown. I'm really happy to be here right now."

Garrick Porteous (ENG) - 65 (-6)
"It was lovely. I got off to a bad start on two, having a flyer through the back but from there on round the turn I played nice. The wind started picking up which made it tougher but it died down at the end so you could get a few coming in."

Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN) - 66 (-5)
"It was really good today, it was a solid round. I hit a lot of greens, rolled some putts. It was good stuff. You have to be good from the tee box on most of the holes. I feel like I'm in a good spot with my driver at the moment. I'm hitting a lot of drivers out here and it worked out well today."

Aaron Cockerill (CAN) -- 66 (-5)
"I had a chip in where it was pretty dead and made a three instead of a five. Then had two long putts that I made -- other than that I played pretty nice. I've been playing good at home, so I'm trying to keep it going, do what I have been doing and have some fun out there."

Eddie Pepperell (ENG), 67 (-4)
It was a strange one. I putted excellent for the first 12 holes or so, then I couldn't get it in the hole. I really hit the ball well in the middle of the round. I wasn't so good early. I suppose that could have easily been six under. Four under on an opening day is pretty good, I'm still happy with that and pleasantly surprised with the way I played. 

Pablo Larrazábal (ESP), 67 (-4)
"To be away from golf for more than four months, it's been a nightmare, but hopefully we're giving a good show to the people back home, and it's nice to see you guys (journalists) and be back.
"The lockdown was tough, over two months at home without leaving the house, but it was a good time to think ahead and work out and get fit and get ready for when we return. It's great to be back. The expectations today were very low. Obviously, I've been practising and playing back home but obviously to tee it up knowing that you haven't got a second ball in your pocket is different."

Lee Westwood (ENG), 70 (-2)
"It was a bit of a struggle, I didn't really have control of my swing. I misclubbed a few times which is probably not acceptable, being a member and the touring pro here.
"But I putted really well and ground it out. I felt like I had to make a lot of putts between four and eight feet all day, I rolled a couple of nice one in and I think one under par is probably a really good score for the way that I played."