Callum Shinkwin made a poor start to the Dubai Desert Classic as the Bushey-based gofer carded a three over par opening round of 75.

The Moor Park Golf Club professional was off the pace early on and bogeyed the opening two holes, before recovering with a birdie on the third.

Further difficulty on the eighth saw him card another bogey and his problems continued into the back nine.

The 23-year-old’s round reached its lowest ebb on the 14th where a double bogey saw him slip to three over par.

A birdie on the 15th rectified the situation somewhat, but Shinkwin bogeyed the final role to complete a forgettable round.

Shinkwin’s opening round leaves him tied for 102nd and needing a significant improvement if he is to move up the rankings over the course of the weekend.

His hopes of chasing the leaders are remote, with Sergio Garcia leading the way on seven under par.

The disappointing showing comes off the back of failing to make the cut at the Qatar Masters on Friday.

Shinkwin looked well set after carding 68 in his opening round, but 75 in his second cost him.