Chris McDonnell, in his first season in the paid ranks, led the pre-qualifying round for the Leeds Cup with an adventurous five-under-par 64 at the Cobble Hall club.
The 26-year-old Hexham assistant, who won the Northumberland County Championship in 2001 and 2003 during his amateur days at Stocksfield, produced a mixed bag of six birdies and three bogeys but the figure that stood out on his card was an eagle three at the 11th hole.
He will take his place in the line-up for professional golf's oldest trophy in the 54-hole tournament at Leeds Golf Club - which hosted the inaugural event in 1902 - on August 19-21 when John Wells, from Beverley club Cherry Burton, will defend his title.
McDonnell had two shots to spare over Waterton Park's Adam Davison, John King, from Lindrick, and Cookridge Hall's Paul O'Donnell with the qualifying score 73.
Meanwhile, there are still vacancies for the curtain-raising Kronenberg 1664 pro-am on August 18. Teams cost £300 and details can be obtained from Steve Clarkson on 0113 265 9230. The £17,000 tournament is sponsored by EZGO golf carts in association with Kronenberg 1664.