AKRON, Ohio (Reuters) - Twelve days after becoming a father for the first time, Britain's Ross Fisher shrugged off tournament rust to shoot an opening level-par 70 at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Thursday.
The Englishman had not competed since tying for 13th in last month's British Open at Turnberry in Scotland, where he briefly led by two strokes in the final round before tumbling back after dropping seven shots in five holes.
"It was a decent start but it was a bit frustrating," Fisher, 28, told reporters after offsetting two birdies with two bogeys at Firestone Country Club.
"I felt like I played really good for my front nine (holes 10 to 18) but I just couldn't get anything going on the greens, didn't hole anything.
"Then I hooked a drive up the first almost in the water and hit a shocking three-wood into the second and I walked off with a par and a birdie," he added with a broad grin.
STRANGE DAY
"So it was a little bit of a strange day to be honest but level par is a decent start. I've hardly played at all to be honest.
"I had two days of practice at home (since the British Open) but obviously circumstances have changed at home so that is the way it is at the moment."
Fisher's wife Joanne gave birth to their first child, Eve Rose, on the Saturday after the British Open.
"It was a truly amazing experience, something I'd recommend to any male," double European Tour champion Fisher said. "We are having great fun.
"I've only been with her (Eve Rose) just over a week but even now it is really cool and amazing. It was tough to leave her and Jo but thankfully Jo's mum has moved in for a couple of weeks so she has got family support there."
Asked if he had been distracted by thoughts of his family during Thursday's first round at Firestone, Fisher replied: "I was focused on golf out there because that is what I have come to do.
"As soon as I finish, hopefully Sunday evening next week, then golf can be put to the back of my mind," he added, referring to the end of the PGA Championship at Hazeltine, the final major of the year.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
