North Wales professional Matthew Tottey believes patience was the key as he claimed a share of the lead on day one of the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Welsh National PGA Championship.
Tottey joined Paul Collins (Marriott St Pierre) at the top of the leaderboard after sinking five birdies during an impressive one-under-par 69 in testing conditions at Cardiff Golf Club - the first time the prestigious tournament has been held at the course since 1988, when home favourite Ian Woosnam was victorious.
"I got off to a great start, made loads of pars then got it going a bit on the back nine,” said Tottey, a two time winner of the Powerade PGA Assistants Championship.
“I made a couple of birdies on the 12th and 14th, but was a bit unlucky on the 16th when I hit the tree which is right in the middle of the green and it took a massive bounce right and ended up in the trees.
"I didn't hit it fantastically but I just kept it in play and was able to make some birdies.
"I think you've just got to keep the ball on the fairway, which is key, and resist hitting the driver off the tee.
"It's just a very tight course, the rough is quite thick off the fairway so if you miss the fairways you're going to struggle, you've just got to be patient and keep the ball in play."
Collins set the early pace also shooting a 69 including four birdies while breathing down the necks of the leading duo is Matthew Ellis, who runs Golf Psychology Services in Wrexham. But despite carding a level-par 70 the 34-year-old former Glenmuir Club Professional champion insists that his performance was "awful".
"I didn't enjoy any of it really," he conceded. "I played awful. I just putted all right which saved me. It's just one of those weeks where everything goes wrong.
“The course is a bit fiddly for me, a bit tight and narrow. I did ride my luck a lot today.
"My goal was not to lose my temper and I nearly did today, but if I keep calm then I've got a chance."
Close behind on one-over par is another North Wales golfer, 33-year-old Lee Harpin.
"I just ground it out," admitted Harpin. "I got it round really well, kept it in play and didn't hit many drivers. I think the course suits my style of play. I missed some putts early on but I did well to grind it out."
Amateur Adam Runcie from Abergele enjoyed a successful morning as he carded an impressive one-over par round of 71.