Thomas Bjorn sets first day pace with 65 - Johnnie Walker Championship 2006

Dane Thomas Bjorn shot an eagle and seven birdies in his first 11 holes in the opening round of the Johnnie Walker championship on Thursday for a two-stroke lead.

Playing for the first time on the PGA Centenary course, Bjorn led South Africa's Andrew McLardy, Argentina's Andres Romero and 2001 winner Paul Casey of Britain.

Colin Montgomerie, whose closing double-bogey at Winged Foot last Sunday cost him the U.S. Open title, bogeyed the last for a 68 to finish three strokes behind Bjorn.

Bjorn, who shot an eight-under-par 65, could have had a much bigger lead after his early salvo. His lack of experience on the course and just one round in rain and high winds during Wednesday's pro-am caused him to tail off as he inserted a bogey on his card and picked up no more shots.

"The first 11 holes were really special," Bjorn told reporters. "It is the golf I've been searching for.

"I had only played one round on the course and that was yesterday in very bad conditions where it was difficult to see a score under 80."

Bjorn's early assault gives him the opportunity to add a second win in five events and strengthen his position on Europe's Ryder Cup table.

He said he regretted not going on to shoot what would have been an "exceptional" score, but was happy to regain confidence after the U.S. Open, where he finished tied 48th.

After Winged Foot, Bjorn would have normally taken time off but the Dane is playing for two more weeks before preparing for the British Open at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake.