Garcia two off the lead at BMW International Open

MUNICH » Sergio Garcia opened his first event in Europe since his Masters win by shooting a bogey-free 6-under 66 to lie two strokes off the lead at the BMW International Open on Thursday.

Wade Ormsby (64) took the overnight lead from Thomas Detry (65), and Joost Luiten and Thorbjorn Olesen (66) were tied for third with Garcia.

“I felt like I played quite well, not spectacular, but very consistent,” Garcia said.

Garcia opened with six birdies while Ormsby, who arrived at the Eichenried course on the back of three missed cuts, returned to fine form with eight.

“I had a fast start out there, turned in 30 on the front nine, and then kind of kept it going on the back,” the Australian said.

Detry had a bogey on the first hole but recovered with six birdies and an eagle.

Defending champion Henrik Stenson (67) was among 12 players tied for sixth.

Miyazato relaxed

Ai Miyazato has known for 10 months that this season would be her last on the LPGA Tour.

The former world No. 1 is more relaxed entering this week’s NW Arkansas Championship after announcing her retirement last month.

“I feel so much better than, you know, like the last four years,” Miyazato said. “I am actually ready to play because I know that I’m going to enjoy my game more than I used to.”

It’s the first tournament in the U.S. for the 32-year-old Miyazato since making her retirement official. It’s also the site of her last LPGA Tour win — a final-round comeback victory at Pinnacle Country Club in 2012.

World No. 2 Lydia Ko is the defending champion at the event, which also features former No. 1 and local favorite Stacy Lewis. She won the event in 2014 and played in college at the nearby University of Arkansas.