Graeme McDowell is just one shot off the lead in Portugal

Portrush player Graeme McDowell is one shot off the lead at the Portugal Masters after firing a first round of five-under-par 67 on Thursday.

McDowell carded six birdies and a bogey in his opening 18 holes.

Holywood's Rory McIlroy fired a 69 to lie three under while Darren Clarke ended on level par after his round.

Mark Foster, Alvaro Quiros and Jyoti Randhawa lead on six under with Gary Murphy three under, Peter Lawrie on par and Damien McGrane three over.

McIlroy had four birdies and a bogey in his round.