Stephen Leaney leads the Linde German Masters by one stroke from Retief Goosen and Mark Pilkington after an opening eight under par 64, just one shot outside the course record at Gut Larchenhof.
Leaney came home in just 30 strokes to move ahead of Goosen as he chases his fourth European Tour title.
“It was nice to hole some putts,” said Leaney. “I got off to a good start and kept it going. I hit a lot of good iron shots and most of my putts were 12-18 feet. Had two two putt birdies on the 13th and 15th. Just a good solid day.
“I changed my putting routine recently. I was struggling and missed four cuts in a row. That put my confidence way down and just changed my routine and that has started to pay off. Made some putts at Loch Lomond and played well last week and it keeps getting better.”
Last year’s European Number One Goosen showed he has no intention of relinquishing his crown by charging to a seven under par 65.
The 2001 U.S. Open currently trails Ernie Els in the Volvo Order of Merit by almost €500,000 but victory this week would certainly close the gap and could put him back in pole position. Goosen survived nearly losing a ball four holes from home and immediately chipped in for eagle to set his compatriot a stiff target for his afternoon round.
"I thought I'd lost my ball on the sixth (his 15th) but we found it lying right on the end of a bush and a I managed to drop only one shot," said Goosen. "Then the eagle was a real bonus. These three weeks to come, this week, next week's American Express and the dunhill Links, are probably the most important of the year in terms of the Volvo Order of Merit. I think it could be decided over these three weeks.
"Obviously, I'm keen to regain the title. It all depends what Ernie does, but there's a chance for me.”
Pilkington picked up eight birdies with just the one dropped shot to join Goosen on seven under just as darkness was falling on the course following a one hour 40 minute delay to the start of play due to early morning fog.
Thomas Björn, winner two weeks ago in Munich, continued his good form when he sprinted home in just 29 strokes to move to five under par and just three off the pace. After two bogeys on the front nine, the Dane just “let go” on the back nine and played some scintillating golf. His tee shot on the 11th lipped out for a hole in one, then he hit a three iron to three feet to set up an eagle three on the 15th before almost holing his second shot on the 17th, his ball jumping out of the hole.
“My game is so close at the moment and it is right there to take advantage of,” he said. “When I get in the right frame of mind I can shoot the numbers. The back nine was very enjoyable.”
