DORSET'S Lee James failed to build on a promising start to his opening round in the KLM Dutch Open today.

The Parkstone-based professional opened up with consecutive birdies before dropping back into the pack with five dropped shots in his next 10 holes.

James finished up with a two-over-par 72 after finishing off with six pars.

"Ironically it was my putting that saved me today," explained James, who held a 25-foot putt for birdie on the first hole.

"Unfortunately my ball-striking didn't match up this morning. It's frustrating because that part of my game has been in good shape in recent weeks."

Home favourite Rolf Muntz was the first-round leader after carding a four-under-par 66.