McDowell wins, Reed falls at Volvo match play

It was tough to find a blowout on the course at London Golf Club, as the Volvo World Match Play Championship got underway in Kent, England.

Out of eight matches, the largest margin of victory was 3 and 2 at the match play event.

Top-seeded Henrik Stenson was not able to win his first match, halving with George Coetzee after the South African pulled out a birdie on the par-5 18th hole.

Highlights from the day include defending champion Graeme McDowell's win over Alexander Levy, who is coming off a win at the Portugal Masters and Patick Reed's 2-and-1 loss to Jonas Blixt.

McDowell and Shane Lowry tied for most birdies on the day with seven. Lowry defeated European Ryder Cup member Stephen Gallacher 3 and 2.

The 16 players are split into four groups. All 16 golfers play three matches over three days, then the winner and runner-up from each group advance to the quarterfinals, which are played Saturday. The semifinals and championship match will take place Sunday.

Results:

Graeme McDowell def. Alexander Levy, 3 and 2

Joost Luiten def. Mikko Ilonen, 1 up

Henrik Stenson vs. George Coetzee, halved

Thongchai Jaidee def. Francesco Molinari, 2 up

Paul Casey def. Jamie Donaldson, 2 and 1

Jonas Blixt def. Patrick Reed, 2 and 1

Victor Dubuisson def. Pablo Larrazabal, 3 and 2

Shane Lowry def. Stephen Gallacher, 3 and 2

Groupings:

Arnold Palmer Group

Henrik Stenson (0-0-1)

Thongchai Jaidee (1-0)

Francesco Molinari (0-1)

George Coetzee (0-0-1)

Mark McCormack Group

Jamie Donaldson (0-1)

Patrick Reed (0-1)

Jonas Blixt (1-0)

Paul Casey (1-0)

Assar Gabrielsson Group

Victor Dubuisson (1-0)

Stephen Gallacher (0-1)

Shane Lowry (1-0)

Pablo Larrazabal (0-1)

Gustaf Larson Group

Graeme McDowell (1-0)

Joost Luiten (1-0)

Mikko Ilonen (0-1)

Alexander Levy (0-1)