Donald Stirling cashed in on a rich vein of form to grab the lead after the opening day of the PGA Senior Club Professional Championship at Northants County Golf Club.
The 52-year-old, who is the professional at Wien-Sussenbrunn in Austria, fired a one-under-par 69 to finish one shot ahead of John Hudson from Rivenhall Oaks. Stirling, who began the week in style by scooping the pro-am on Tuesday, said: "I'm pleased with my score, my irons kept me going and I just took my chances when they arrived.
"I've played in a couple of Champions Tour qualifiers in the USA recently to help regain some sharpness after a lay-off with my neck injury, and it looks like those rounds may have kick started my season."
Lurking just behind is Hudson who made golf history back in 1971 by becoming the first player to sink consecutive holes-in-one at a major professional event when he achieved the feat in the Martini Tournament at Norwich.
The 61-year-old was equally impressive on the outward half where he was two under par at the turn, but four bogeys at the start of the back nine threatened to derail his round.
However, Hudson kept his cool and birdied the last two holes to move level par again in difficult conditions.
He said: "I had a good steady round. I putted very well but I was also never in trouble off the tee.
"I was delighted that I finished the 16th, 17th and 18th so well, as they are playing very long. But I'm not setting any targets, this is only the third round I have played this year."
Radlett Golf Club professional Alan Hall is also in contention after his one under par back nine helped him record a 72.
Hall recovered from a disappointing front nine to move into joint fourth place in the tournament thanks to birdies at the14th and 18th.
He said: "I had a tidy round, although I did putt badly. I think that was due to the greens, which are very different in pace at every hole.
"But it's a great test of golf, which is a credit to the golf club. With the wind swirling and the dry conditions, it was hard out there."
Felixstowe Golf Range's Robin Mann also shot a respectable 74 to join an eight-man tie for ninth place.