ST. OMER, France -- Finland's Roope Kakko shot a bogey-free 3-under 68 in windy and rainy conditions Thursday to take a one-stroke lead in the $1.2 million St. Omer Open on the European Tour.

"I was really pleased with my round -- and not dropping any shots was the key," Kakko said. "I putted well and didn't make many mistakes."

Finland's Mikko Korhonen, France's Adrien Bernardet and Englishmen Marcus Higley and John E. Morgan opened with 69s.

Pre-tournament favorite Paul McGinley refused to blame the tricky conditions for a disappointing opening round. The Irishman labored to a 3-over-par 74 to finish six shots off the lead on a miserably wet day in northern France.

In a week when many of his rivals are testing themselves at the U.S. Open in San Diego, McGinley, having failed to qualify, struggled to stamp his authority on one of the European Tour's smallest events.

The 41-year-old hit six bogeys and three birdies in an inconsistent round, but finished on a high after coming within inches of an eagle on the par-5 last.

"It's a difficult course, but I made silly mistakes and paid the price," said McGinley. "I had three three-putts and a shot out of bounds and I struggled with the pace of the greens all day. They were much slower than in the pro-am yesterday.

"The weather was very tough. We played the first five holes in a complete downpour and after that it was showers," he added. "It was a tough day and a tough course but I prepared for it well. Three three-putts was what cost me in the end, not the course or the conditions."

Kakko did not drop a shot in his round of 68, and was one of only two players, alongside Morgan, to finish bogey-free. Kakko fired three birdies -- on the fifth, ninth and 12th.

"It was very good because I didn't drop any shots," said Kakko. "I putted well and didn't make many mistakes, which is a good thing in weather like this. The guys who went out early really had a terrible time but I started a little later, which was better. But the wind was still tricky."

Kakko jokingly added: "Mikko is probably a little upset because I birdied the last hole to move one shot ahead of him, so I'll have to buy the beers tonight."

Copyright 2008 Associated Press and PA Sport. All rights reserved.