Up until last week, Peter Whiteford owned just two drivers.

However, he felt it was time for a change ahead of carding a first-round 69 in the French Open at Versailles.

Whiteford heads the 10-man Scottish contingent at three- under-par with Australia’s Richard Green and England’s Graeme Storm heading the field with five-under 66s on the par-71 layout.

World No.4 Martin Kaymer recorded a level-par 71 but American Bubba Watson scored a 74 that included a double bogey at the last.

But Watson, who is reputed to being paid $200,000 to compete in the French capital, then confessed he was “homesick” and may not play again on the European Tour.

“I love France, and France is a nice place, and Paris is a beautiful city,” he said. “I went to the Eiffel Tower, to the Louvre, and the arch way, and I saw the castle [Versailles Palace] that we are staying next to.

“But I think this might be the only time I play in Europe. I miss my home.”

In 2007, Whiteford packed the then new Callaway FT-5 driver into his bag to earn his Tour card on the back of two wins on the secondary Challenge Tour.

The driver has been with him ever since, and also helped to earn the Fifer £½m during his short period on the main Tour – but the club was “wearing a bit thin” so the Scot upgraded.

“The shaft on the FT-5 was also feeling like it was going to break any time,” he said.

“So I’ve put the new Callaway Razr in the bag, and it’s the first time I’ve really changed any club in my bag since using the FT-5 about five years ago. Callaway have been trying to wean me off the FT-5 for some time as they don’t make them any more.

“I know it’s amazing for a pro to have the one driver in the bag for such a long time but this new Razr driver is by far, a better driver.”

Aberdeen’s Richie Ramsay recorded a 69 while Colin Montgomerie wasted little time leaving the course after three-putting the last from 30-feet for bogey and a level- par 71. Edinburgh’s Lloyd Saltman also signed for a 71 while Bathgate’s Stephen Gallacher is danger of missing the cut for a third week in a row after signing for a 74.

“I went to the US Open playing really well, and while I am playing well tee-to-green, I just can’t seem to score at present,” he said.

Four players, including former China Open winner Damien McGrane were disqualified in bizarre circumstances after taking incorrect penalty drops in finding the water at the 18th.

The four had crossed the hazard to the left of a green stake purposely placed in the hazard, and instead of taking point of entry drop, the four took relief at a “drop zone” some 15 yards to the right of the green stake.