DAVID Park enjoyed one of his best starts of the year with a three under par 68 at the Volvo Scandinavian Masters in Stockholm.
The Hereford golfer has been languishing down the European Tour money list but his first round score leaves him just four shots behind leader Graeme McDowell who carded a new course record.
Droitwich's John Bickerton shot a level par 71, while Evesham's Jeremy Robinson had a four-over-par 75 to leave him battling to make the cut.
McDowell spent most of his 23rd birthday on Tuesday waiting for his delayed flight from Manchester to Stockholm, and only had time for nine holes of practice at Kungsangen.
It was the first time he had seen the course, just days after signing an agreement to represent them on the European Tour during his first season as a professional.
Yet less than 48 hours later he had carded a 64 to lead only his fourth tour event by one shot from Australian Adam Scott, with the likes of defending champion Colin Montgomerie trailing in his wake.
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