Flyer for Ferrie in Cancun

Englishman Kenneth Ferrie stands just one shot off the pace after the opening round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Cancun.

Englishman one shot behind leader Merrick in Mexico

Englishman Kenneth Ferrie stands just one shot off the pace after the opening round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Cancun. Ferrie produced six birdies and just one bogey in his opening round of 65 to finish the day as one of five men at -5, just a stroke adrift of leader John Merrick. Merrick, who has just one top-10 finish in 34 career PGA Tour events, returned a near flawless 64 at El Camaleon Golf Club with six birdies and not a single dropped shot. The 25-year-old put together a solid front nine but really came to life around the turn and on the way home with five birdie in his final ten holes. Ferrie was joined at -5 by 1987 Masters champion Larry Mize, another American Robert Damron and Australian David Lutterus. Ferrie's charge was fired by three birdies over the course of his final six holes and the Northumbrian will now be harbouring thoughts of a maiden PGA Tour victory - especially with the world's elite players otherwise engaged at the Accenture Match Play Championship in Arziona. Defending champion Fred Funk struggled to a three-over 73 after registering four bogeys despite having picked up a birdie at his opening hole.