Austrian Open in Atzenbrugg

McDowell, the US Open champion, birdied four of his first five holes to continue his rich vein of form in his last tournament before the Ryder Cup.

The 31-year-old then hit par on the last nine to leave him seven under par, enough to grab top spot alongside Spain’s Jose Manuel Lara.

On the opening day he recovered from a terrible start that saw him drop shots at the second and third to end the day as part of a large group at three under par.

‘‘It’s very much the old cliche of a game of two halves at this golf course,’’ said McDowell.

‘‘This front nine’s quite tricky and you’ve got to drive the ball well to have any chance of making birdies.

‘‘On the back nine it’s a lot more three woods and hybrids off the tees which offers you a few more opportunities.

‘‘I think I’m two over par for the front nine and nine under par for the back nine overall.”