Graeme McDowell didn't drop a shot in his opening round at Valderrama

Graeme McDowell boosted his chances of cutting Martin Kaymer's Race to Dubai lead as he produced an impressive opening round at the Andalucia Masters.

McDowell's bogey-free three-under 68 left him in second place - two shots behind leader Pablo Larrazabal.

Gareth Maybin also didn't drop a shot in his 69 with Michael Hoey firing a steady 70 while Darren Clarke hit a 72.

Kaymer, who has a £867,000 lead over McDowell in the order of merit, shot an opening 72 at Valderrama.

McDowell produced an impeccable round of three birdies and no dropped shots as he joined another Irishman Damien McGrane in a share of second place on three under.

The US Open champion and Ryder Cup hero birdied the first and the fourth and then carded 13 straight pars before gaining a further shot at the last after a sensational approach to four feet.

McDowell was content with his round as he outscored his playing partner Kaymer by four shots.

"Valderrama is a tough golf course and it's hard work at the best of times even when you are playing well," said McDowell.

"I kept the ball under control most of the day and I scrambled when I had to.

"I figured I might be seeing a lot of Martin (Kaymer) over the next three to four weeks.

"He's has a magnificent season - especially the last three months when he has been unbeatable.

"Even if I play my best (over the next few weeks), I might not be able to catch Martin if he plays well."

Maybin also kept bogeys off his card as he produced two birdies and 16 pars which left him in a share of fourth place with India's Shiv Kapur.

Michael Hoey finished in a large group on 70 which also included Sergio Garcia while Darren Clarke mixed five birdies with six bogeys in his 72.

Ireland's Peter Lawrie got off to a fast start with three straight birdies but double bogeys on 14 and 17 saw him joining Clarke on 72 with Shane Lowry firing a 73 and Paul McGinley on 74.

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