Two-time BMW PGA Championship winner Luke Donald was delighted to find himself in the mix again at Wentworth Club after an opening 68.
The Englishman, who reached the top of the Official World Golf Ranking by beating Lee Westwood in a play-off here in 2011 and successfully defended the title 12 months later, began the week ranked 76th in the world.
Six birdies and two bogeys over the West Course saw Donald three behind first-round leaders Scott Hend, Joost Luiten and Y E Yang, and the 38 year old hopes to kick on over the next three days.
“I love getting off to a good start on Thursdays, that seems to be the key for me,” said Donald.
“That was a perfect start for me this week.
"The last year or two has been tough, I've struggled to gain confidence and feel comfortable but the last couple of months I'm feeling more and more comfortable and it's nice to see some better results. I feel like I am on the upward path."
