Grant Forrest geared up for his maiden DP World Tour title defence at next week's Hero Open with a stunning 66 on the opening day of the 2022 Cazoo Classic.
The Scot carded six birdies and no bogeys on Thursday to sit alongside Jens Dantorp, Richard Mansell and Julien Guerrier in the clubhouse on six under par, three behind leader Paul Waring.
Forrest has a big 10 days coming up, with this week's event followed by a trip to Fairmont St Andrews to defend the Hero Open title he claimed last year.
The 29-year-old, who has been managing an injury, is pleased with how he is playing.
He said: "I just feel things are starting to come together, it has been a bit of a struggle this year so far.
"My long game today was the best it has been for a long time.
"It was a good start. It has been a while since I have gone out and really started a tournament well, so it was nice to get on the front foot early and play good golf today."
Starting from the tenth tee in the morning, Forrest turned in 34 after birdieing the 14th and 17th.
He picked up further shots on the second and fifth before making back-to-back birdies at the seventh and eighth to head into the clubhouse on six under.
Forrest managed to keep his card clean with a good up-and-down for par on the ninth - his last.
He added: "I think the worst shot today was on the last hole into the green, but I made four.
"Lots of good stuff in there."
Fellow early starter Dantorp also carded a flawless 66 despite struggling with a neck problem.
He said: "I woke up with a sore neck and got some treatment on the truck. I played really good from the start but felt something on the front nine so had the physio coming out on the course giving me some tiger balm.
"Felt good for a few holes and then on the 14th on the drive it just locked up, so the last few holes were a struggle but I can’t complain, I was playing great today."
Guerrier carded seven birdies in eight holes from the ninth on his way to a 66 that contained a total of nine birdies and three bogeys.
He had looked set to finish the day on seven under but a bogey on the 18th dropped him back to six.
The Frenchman said: "I am really happy. I drove the ball really well today.
"Of course, I started with a bogey and finished with a bogey but in between it was a really good round of golf, so I am really happy."
