Marten Olander, who has been close several times to winning his first tournament of the year, carded a four-under-par 67 to lead after the first round of the NCC Open at Soderasen in Sweden. He is a stroke clear of fellow Swedes, Ulrik Gustafsson and Peter Hedblom.
On a chilly day, Olander had four birdies and no bogeys on his card, while his compatriots found as many birdies but each dropped a shot for 68.
A large group are a stroke further back on 69, including Scotland’s Gordon Sherry, who has been struggling to find some form this year.
The former Amateur champion and Walker Cup player looked as if he was heading for another disappointing return when he went out in 36, one over par, and dropped another shot at the 11th.
But four birdies in the final five holes boosted the man from Kilmarnock who should beat the cut and collect his first pay cheque of the season.