Retief Goosen leads BMW Open golf

MUNICH, Germany, June 25 (UPI) -- An 8-under-par 64 Thursday gave South Africa's Retief Goosen a two-stroke lead after the first round of the BMW International Open in Munich.

A heavy rainfall nearly delayed the start of the tournament, and when the downpour began, the field played despite puddles in the fairways and water-logged bunkers.

Goosen finished in 16th place at last week's U.S. Open, a tournament he has won twice in his career (2001, 2004).

While playing the back nine first, he closed his round with four birdies, two at the par-5 sixth and ninth holes.

"When you get a round like this going, it's nice to get a break and make it a really good round," he said about his finish.

At 6-under 66, England's Richard Finch is alone in second place, while Sweden's Niclas Fasth leads a group of nine players tied for third place at five-under 67.

Defending champion Martin Kaymer of Germany opened with a 1-under 71.