Clarke makes welcome return
Darren Clarke produced a four under par 68 on his return to the European tour following the death of his wife.
Clarke, who two weeks ago received a wild card into next week's Ryder Cup after declaring himself available for selection, had given a tearful press conference on the eve of the Madrid Masters at La Moraleja.
When the tournament began, however, the Ulsterman had five birdies and a bogey to be in a share of fifth place three behind French pacesetter Jean-Francois Lucquin.
It was Clarke's first appearance since he crashed out of the Open with a second round 82 in July saying he would not be playing "for the foreseeable future" because of his wife's cancer battle.
She died on August 13 at the age of just 39.
Playing partner Thomas Bjorn, who lashed out at Ian Woosnam's captaincy of the European tour after losing out to Lee Westwood for the second wild card, had a 69.
Two other members of the side for the K Club are also playing in the event. Jose Maria Olazabal had five birdies, but also back-to-back double bogeys for a 71, while Padraig Harrington was among the later starters.
