Montgomerie, returning to action after a five week absence, was satisfied with his recovery on the opening day.

"I've won tournaments from worse starts than this," the 44-year-old Scot said.

Referring to his bid for a place at Valhalla where the Americans meet Europe from 16th-21st September, Montgomerie admitted: "My job is to get back into the team and I am nowhere near yet.

"I'm playing eight of the next nine weeks and I need to win twice."

Erlandsson, ranked 345th in the world, had his best finish at the 2005 Wales Open when he was joint second behind Miguel Angel Jimenez.

He earned a one-shot lead over Spanish duo Ignacio Garrido and Jordi Garcia, ranked 350th and 1,102nd respectively, largely thanks to some inspired putting.

He needed only 23 putts in his round, including a 40-footer, a 25-footer and two from around 18 feet.