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 on Thursday.
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.
Source: www.europeantour.com