Lonard & O'Hern top leaderboard

Australian Peter Lonard has his sights set on an Irish Open title, grabbing a share of the first round lead on Thursday just two days after having corrective eye surgery.

Lonard, who did not play a practice round and was in a London's Moorfield Eye Hospital having work done on his right eye on Tuesday, fired an opening round eight-under par 64 to the top the field alongside compatriot Nick O'Hern.

Australians dominated the leaderboard with Brett Rumford sharing third place with Britons Stephen Gallacher and Simon Wakefield.

Twice major winner Sandy Lyle was in a group three shots off the lead while defending champion Michael Campbell had a tough opneing round and is six strokes back.

Affected by eye problems since suffering Ross River Fever in the early 1990s, Lonard managed only a walk around nine holes on Wednesday night and that did not go smoothly.

"I didn't get to the course until about 5.30pm, so I strolled round the front nine then caught up with my caddie at the pub to go through the yardage book," said Lonard after chalking up nine birdies.

"I actually walked the wrong nine to my opening nine, so I suppose I should have looked closer at the draw sheet.

"I've never putted like it in my life but when it's your day, it's your day."

Lonard's eye problems began when he contracted Ross River Fever after being bitten by a mosquito and had to take 18 months off in 1993 and 1994.

After wearing spectacles and contact lenses he had laser eye surgery six years ago but found recently that he needed a correction to his right eye.

"I had the laser surgery in '97-98 but living in the States I didn't get much chance to see my specialist so while I was in London I decided to take the chance," explained Lonard, who plays on the U.S. and European Tours.

"My right eye was not as good as it had been six or seven years ago, so I needed it done.

"It was 50-50 whether I played this week but not playing a practice round is going to be the routine for the rest of my life now."

O'Hern had a point to prove since failing to gain a place in the British Open after missing international qualifying with a knee injury and then being refused a chance to try again at any other qualifying tournament by the Royal & Ancient.

Just like Lonard running up an eagle and seven birdies, O'Hern said: "I think Troon would have suited me down to the ground. I love playing links, so I've enjoyed today.

"I have a bit of a sore spot with the R & A but I accept what they say and we keep going."

O'Hern has been lifted by getting an invitation to the final major, the U.S. PGA Championship, in three weeks' time.

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