Graeme McDowell seven off pace in at Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Graeme McDowell made a steady start to his Pebble Beach Pro-Am challenge by firing a one-under-par 71 on Thursday.

McDowell, who was playing with his father Kenny, carded three birdies and two bogies at Spyglass Hill to lie seven behind leader Andrew Loupe.

The Portrush man will also play at Pebble Beach, scene of his US Open triumph in 2010.

Paul McGinley fired a 65 and Padraig Harrington had a 72 while a rain delay left 40 players with incomplete rounds.

A three-hour delay eventually turned into bad light, with three-time winner Phil Mickelson among them. He is well placed on five under after 15 holes.

It was an impressive opening round for Ryder Cup captain McGinley, with fellow Dubliner Harrington also starting at Pebble Beach.

McDowell, who is competing for the first time this year, had birdies at 7, 11 and 17 while dropped shots came at four and 18.