Browne leads Irish in Argentina

Stephen Browne fired a level par 71 to lead the Irish challenge in the 77th Abierto Visa del Centro at Cordoba Golf Club in Argentina.

The Dubliner opened his 2008 Challenge Tour account with three birdies and three bogeys as defending champion Angel Cabrera lived up to expectations with bogey free four under par 67 earning him a three-way share of the lead.

The US Open Champion made a flying start on a day of several rain delays to join Sweden’s Christopher Hanell and England’s David Horsey in a share of the clubhouse lead.

Gareth Maybin (73), Michael Hoey (74), David Higgins (76) and Colm Moriarty (77) all have work to do to make the cut.