CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (Reuters) - Ryder Cup rookies Thomas Pieters and Rafa Cabrera-Bello made a low-key return to the European Tour on Thursday, posting two-under-par 70s in the opening round of the Dunhill Links Championship.
Swede Alex Noren, chasing his third victory of the season, led the way on 64 at the pro-am event that is being played on three courses -- St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
Pieters birdied the par-four seventh at Carnoustie after hitting a monster drive on to the green at the 401-yard hole.
"It's great to be back. Everybody is on my side here," the big-hitting Belgian told reporters.