BIRCHWOOD Golf Club professional Phil Archer starts the Smurfit Kappa European Open in Ireland today, Thursday, after a tied 29th finish in his last European Tour event.

The 34-year-old competes in the first round at the K Club, which will host the Ryder Cup in September, after rounds of 70, 71, 70 and 72 left him on one under par at the end of the Open de France in Paris on Sunday.