Swinton Park assistant David Smith continued his impressive run when he breezed to a four-under-par 68 and a two shot lead in the first round of the Manx Classic at Castletown.
The MEN Manchester Open champion, who broke the course record at Humberside club Brough last week, made the most of the calmer conditions later in the day after a howling gale had blown many of the early starters off course.
"I could have been three or four strokes better off," he said as he overtook clubhouse leader Neil Cheetham. "That's how many chances lipped out of the hole."
He explained his resurgent form was down to playing more regularly over the past month - and having his swing checked by his coach, Marriott Worsley Park professional David Screeton.
"He deserves a lot of credit," said Smith who made a dream start to his round with a birdie at the first and eagle at the third where he drained a 50-foot putt.
Cheetham is hoping history will repeat itself. Ten years ago he claimed the title then the following season embarked on a successful European Tour career.
But a series of injuries led to the Sheffield-based professional losing his card.
Now, after enduring two years of agony, he's back to full fitness as evidenced by his 70.
"I'm striking the ball better than ever," said Cheetham, attached to Lees Hall.
"I plan to try to retrieve my place on the circuit this winter so it could be a good omen if I win here again.
"I've been playing a few events on the Sunshine Tour and I'm in better shape than I've been for a long time."
Equally excited about his future prospects was Colin Maroney who supplements his modest income from playing by teaching at Bury club Harwood at the weekends.
He threw caution to the wind for a 71, matched by Mark Belsham, from Stoneless in Kent, and former winner David Shacklady from Mossock Hall.
Maroney admitted his only game plan was "to go for the shots" despite the threat of being blown off course.
"I certainly did not play safe," he said. "I took a driver on every hole apart from on the short ones yet did not find any serious trouble."
And he revealed it was his fourth successive sub-par round since also having a lesson Screeton two weeks ago.
Leading islander was the host club's Michael Brooks who returned 74.