Michael Jonzon vowed to grab his opportunity at the Porsche European Open with both hands after firing an opening 66 to sit just three shots off the lead at Golf Resort Bad Griesbach.
The 44 year old Swede has not held a card since 2013 and arrived in Germany as fourth reserve but was delighted to tee it up and make a positive impression in just his eighth appearance of the season.
Jonzon claimed a first European Tour win in 1997 but had to wait 12 years to claim his second and last win at the CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar.
He has split the last two seasons between the Challenge and European Tours but is eager to get back to regularly competing with the likes of playing partners Scott Hend and Thorbjørn Olesen.
"I got a call yesterday afternoon about two o'clock - I was on the range at home - that I was in if I wanted to play," he said. "I was fourth reserve so I hadn't prepared or anything.
"I rushed home and got a ticket, rushed here and got around four hours' sleep last night. Obviously playing in a nice group today always helps. I played nicely.
I just absolutely love competing - it's the best feeling in the world - Michael Jonzon
"To be honest, I was just happy to play. I played a couple of times here on the Challenge Tour so I know the place. I knew everyone didn't have a practice round here either so we were even par on that.
"I just love playing on the Tour so it was a nice bonus. It has been a while since I've played in a big group, and I feel at home when I play in big groups and big tournaments so I just need to find a way to get back here soon. That's why I still play, I just absolutely love competing - it's the best feeling in the world."
