Alex Belt refused to buckle under the heat as he blitzed the course record with a sizzling seven-under-par 61 in the Werneth centenary pro-am.
The reigning PGA North Region champion from Bridlington Links conjured up eight birdies after the old mark of 63 had been equalled twice earlier in the day.
Warrington-born Paul Carman, a long-time professional at Huddersfield, was first to post the score followed by former European Tour player Neil Cheetham who is attached to Sheffield club Dore & Totley.
Belt, winner of the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Welsh Open Young Professional title in April, was among 19 out of the 39-strong field to beat par.
And sharing fourth place on 64 with Lee Park's Chris Crowder was ex-Tour player turned tournament official Neal Briggs who represents Styal.
30 June, 2009