Shane Lowry is just one shot off the lead at five-under-par after the first round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. 

The reigning Open champion had five birdies on his back nine in Surrey, helping him to close within a stroke of the joint leaders Tyrrell Hatton, Adri Arnaus and Justin Harding.

"I feel good at the moment and my iron play feels particularly good and I drove it lovely and holed a few putts," Lowry told Sky Sports' Tim Barker after signing for a round of 67.

"I haven't been driving unbelievable for the last while but I drove it well and made those putts. That's probably the difference between shooting the scores I have been recently and today.

"It's amazing, when you are holing a few putts, how easy this game can feel."

The Offaly man has previously finished inside the top-15 at the tournament on six occasions and he says it's a course that suits his game.

"I just love it, it's obviously our flagship event in Europe and I love coming here and playing the golf course.

"The fans here are the best of the year by far and I miss them, you really do miss them at tournaments like this because they come out here in their thousands and they appreciate good golf.

"We miss them here this week but everything about Wentworth, the whole area around here, I just love it."

Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell are in the clubhouse on level par and one-over respectively.