Gregory Bourdy made a hot start in damp Crans. Picture ©Getty ImagesShane Lowry and Michael Hoey were the only Irishmen to break par as Grégory Bourdy carded the joint lowest of his European Tour career to take a two-stroke lead in the Omega European Masters.

Padraig Harrington has the wind in his sails at Royal Portrush. Picture Fran Caffrey www.newsfile.iePadraig Harrington took full advantage of a benign course set up to top the home challenge in the Irish Open.

Rory McIlroy has done his reputation no end of good in Kuala Lumpur this week by bouncing back from the bitter disappointment of a final round major championship disaster with an impressive display of mental fortitude. Unfortunately, he’s in a no-win situation.