Former Aberdeen greenkeeper Graeme Lornie fired six birdies and an eagle for a four-under 69 to jump to the top of the leaderboard in the Gleneagles Scottish PGA Championship.
The 28-year-old, who worked on the greens staff of a couple of Aberdeen courses for eight years, is now trying to make a living as one of the pro team at city course, King's Links.
But four bogeys in five holes from the third threatened to undo a good early start over the PGA Centenary course, when he'd chipped in from 25 feet for an eagle at the second.
Lornie got back on track with gains at the eighth, 10th, 12th, 13th 14th and 16th.
"This is the kind of thing that's been happening to me recently - getting birdies and giving them right back again. At least the bad stuff started early!"
Four players are in a tie for second place - European Tour player Craig Lee, Nigel Scott-Smith (Palacerigg), Braid Hills pro Paul McKechnie Challenge Tour player, Eddie Thomson from Largs, and Steve Taylor (Bothwell Castle).
Lee admitted to having spent £40,000 on his European Tour activities since last November, with earnings considerably less. But his enthusiasm for the game at that level hasn't diminished.
"I've no regrets. It's a tremendous experience, it's what I've always wanted to do."
Birdies at all five long holes were the key to Scott-Smith's opening round.
"I never missed a fairway", said the 34-year-old, who admitted he's been getting not much more than four hours sleep a night after the recent birth of his son, Murray.
A seven-time trier for the European Tour ("my best attempt was in 1996 when I missed it by four shots") he now devotes his time to the club and running as a private concern an adjoining driving range.
McKechnie has always proved himself a formidable player over 72-hole events on the Tartan Tour, and has again set himself up for the rest of the championship. Under the coaching eye of PGA Scottish Region chairman, Alan White, the pro at Lanark, Paul says "Alan keeps things simple. He doesn't go in for the high-tech video stuff, and I've every confidence in what he's doing."
Another player to highlight the input of a coach was Eddie Thomson. This time the guru in question was Bob Torrance.
"Bob keeps telling me to believe in myself. Keep doing what you're doing and it'll come around."
Thomson missed just two fairways, and finished with a chip-in for an eagle at the 484-yard 18th.
Taylor resumed where he left off two week ago - recording two wins and a second place over three successive pro-am days - and looks capable of offering a serious challenge over the remaining 54 holes.