John Bickerton is back in the groove

It was Bickerton's first European Tour event for six weeks as he has been recovering from surgery on a foot injury.

"I played quite steadily but it's as tricky as ever," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"To knock an eagle in and a couple of birdies on the back nine meant it was back to where it should have been."

Bickerton has only played in four events since winning the Alfred Dunhill Championship out in South Africa just before Christmas (his third European Tour victory) - and he missed the cut in three of them.

But to be tied for seventh, just three off the lead held by Germany's Sven Struver, was a tidy way to start on a course where he has four times in the past enjoyed top 10 finishes.