Daly aces way to round of 63

John Daly fired his challenge at the BMW International with a hole-in-one on his way to a nine-under-par 63 in the first round.

The American's effort was only a stroke off the Nord Eichenried course record and upstaged the Europeans battling for Ryder Cup points

U.S. Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange, however, will be delighted to see Daly on top of the leaderboard, even though he did not pick the double-major champion for his team, as the Europeans had to take a back seat.

Daly, equalling his career best return over 72 holes, built his early three-shot lead on his third tee-shot of the day when his nine-iron at the 153-yard par-three 12th sent his ball into the cup.

With seven birdies added to the eagle, Daly stormed three better than two other players not involved in Europe's Ryder Cup battle - South African Roger Wessels and Zimbabwean Tony Johnstone.

Europe's Ryder Cup hopefuls Sergio Garcia and Niclas Fasth, who are still trying to earn enough points to gain automatic entry into the final top 10, both shot 67s.

Garcia, who has been promised a wild-card by European captain Sam Torrance should he fail to make the top 10, chipped in twice as he picked up five strokes in his last six holes.

But there was a disappointment for Ian Poulter, currently 11th in the European standings, as he could only card a 73.

Having achieved his second hole-in-one as a pro, Daly's only regret was not winning the sponsor's car which was on offer for an ace at the 17th.

"I'll have to try to win now and then I'll be able to afford one," joked Daly.

"I hit a great nine-iron to 12 and it really got me going when it spun right back and in.

"I remember my other hole in one, at the 16th at Huston '96 or '97.

" I haven't shot nine-under for a long, long time, time though, maybe Vegas '92 or '93.

"And I didn't rip a drive really, except for the ninth, just three-quarter soft cuts. In fact I've not had to rip a drive on any course this year.

"My soft cuts go about 315-320 yards but the driver flew about 325, maybe 330 yards on the ninth.

"I had a lot of 'gimmee' birdies for my 63."

Enjoying a resurgence in his career after gambling and alcohol problems, Daly added: "It's just over a year since I had a drink, August the 27th was the last time.

"I'm married to a beautiful woman from Memphis, Sherrie, and with her and friends I have people who I can trust with my life now.

"I love playing in Europe. It's much more laid back. You can go to the practice range on a Tuesday and hit balls. In the States there are so many people on the range, if you take a swing you might hit somebody!

"And it's very hard to practice because of autograph hunters. You can really work on your game over here."

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