Maidstone's Danielle Masters had a disappointing opening round when she made her return to the European Ladies Tour in Dubai on Thursday.

After four months out with a back injury, she carded an eight-over 80 to finish well down down field at the Emirates Golf Club.

Playing the back nine first, she reached the turn in level par but dropped eight shots on the front nine, including a triple bogey seven at the par-4 5th hole.

With just two events left, including this current one in Dubai, she is currently 108th in the Order of Merit and must finish in the top 80 to retain her card for next season.

Masters, 25, who is attached to Ashford's Chart Hills Golf Club, said: "I haven't played since the Ladies Italian Open in July and it has been a horrible time. On the up side I've managed to stay at home with my friends and family and have been preparing for my wedding in March.

"The problem with my back stems from an ankle injury which I picked up in January in South Africa at the World Cup.

"I tore my ligaments on the last day on the 15th hole but didn't really notice it until I landed back in London."

The tour ends in Sweden next month.