opening round of the Xerox Manitoba Open at Breezy Bend Country Club in Winnipeg on Thursday.

Starting on the back nine, Swan's round opened with a bogey five on the 10th hole before a birdie three on the 12th brought him back to even par.

However, Swan had a further setback when an errant tee shot on the 394-yard, par-four 13th hole landed in the water. He recovered with an excellent approach to eight feet but missed the putt and settled for a bogey.

A birdie three at the 17th and a magnificent recovery for par on the 18th enabled Swan to make the turn at even par.

On the second nine Swan birdied the par-five second and the 412-yard, par-four sixth. A three-putt bogey on the 176-yard, par-three seventh prevented the round from being even lower.

"I am pleased with my play,'' said Swan. "I hit the ball very solidly and created many birdie opportunities.

"Unfortunately, the putts did not drop today. My goal tomorrow is to play my best and to be in the thick of things on the weekend.'' The field will be cut after 36 holes to the top 65 and Swan is well placed at this time but will certainly have to repeat Thursday's opening round to at least make the cut.