Gary Murphy and Peter Lawrie were well off the pace during today's opening round of the Madeira Open and trail leader Ricardo Santos by eight and nine shots respectively.

Santos heads the field on six-under, one ahead of former Ryder Cup star Peter Baker who gave himself the chance to re-ignite his career with a round of 67.

Murphy and Lawrie are on two-over and three-over and will more than likely need rounds in the 60s tomorrow to avoid making an early exit. David Higgins, the only other Irish player in the field, was among the later starters and was one over par with a handful of holes remaining of his opening round.

Baker drew inspiration from last year's Ryder Cup at the K Club as he tries to get his career back on track. It was a satisfying start to the season for 39-year-old, who lost his European Tour card three years ago.

Baker had won three European Tour titles and played in the 1993 Ryder Cup before losing his way but said after his round that he is now looking to "wipe the slate clean" and rebuild.

Being one of Ian Woosnam's vice-captains last year and helping Europe to overcome the US, had given him his new outlook, he said.

"The time I had off with the Ryder Cup, watching it all and being so close to it, was definitely inspirational," Baker said. "I was just totally burnt out. I've been doing this for 20 years and for the last few years I've been struggling, not enjoying my golf at all.

"Then after the Ryder Cup I had the winter off, thinking things over, making a few changes. That has allowed me to wipe the slate clean and start again."

Last year's Madeira champion and another former Ryder Cup man, Jean Van de Velde, fared eight shots worse than leader Baker as the Frenchman carded a 75 to be well back in the pack.