Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship - day one digest

Alejandro Del Rey and Freddy Schott lead the way, Marcel Siem goes hole-in-one hunting and Andrew 'Beef' Johnston cleans up.

Everything you need to know from the first day of action at Royal Golf Club.

Alejandro Del Rey cannot get Schott of Freddy

Alejandro Del Rey initially rose above a congested chasing pack following a low-scoring opening round in Bahrain. The Spaniard made a quick start after opening with a hat-trick of birdies before carding another treble from the eighth to surge into contention. He jumped ahead on his own with his seventh birdie of the day at the 13th and parred his way home for a flawless 65. Del Rey said: "It was nice, a quick start. I took advantage of the morning, that it was a little bit calmer with the wind. I’m very happy with the round. I really enjoy this first Swing (of the year) here in the desert. I’ve always enjoyed it." It looked as though that would be enough for the outright lead, but Germany's Freddy Schott enjoyed a roller coaster round of an eagle, eight birdies, a dropped shot and a double bogey to reach the summit at seven under. The German said: "It was really good, especially the start. It started off well and finished well, so I’m very pleased."

Siem chases the ace

Nobody made an ace at the par-three seventh 12 months ago... but Marcel Siem was inches from one this year!

Beef cleans up birdie putt

Andrew Johnston, nicknamed Beef, ensured his birdie putt from the fringe at the 12th wiped its feet on the way in with this effort. I bet his heart was in his mouth for that split second.

Harrington rolls back the years

Three-time Major winner Pádraig Harrington showcased his quality with this tee-shot into the par-three second. The 54-year-old mixed four birdies with three bogeys to card a first-round 71, six behind Del Rey and Schott.

Couvra teases albatross

Martin Couvra made the 586-yard 14th look easy as he produced one of the shots of the day with a stunning approach. He teased the rare bird before rolling in the three-foot eagle putt.

Larrazábal magic at the last

There is not much more to say about Pablo Larrazábal's outrageous bunker shot at the last. Just remarkable!