DROITWICH'S John Bickerton fired a 67 at the Murphy's Irish Open at Cork to lie four shots adrift of first round leader Colin Montgomerie.
Bickerton's four-under-par total included five birdies and his excellent round was only spoiled by a bogey on the 14th.
Hereford's David Park was well back down the field after a disappointing 76, with a string of bogies offsetting his two birdies.
For Montgomerie it was a welcome return to form after an indifferent start to the season.
The Scot, who celebrated his 38th birthday on Saturday, gave himself a belated present with a sparkling eight-under-par course record of 63, which included two eagles and six birdies.
He finished two shots clear of nearest challengers, Eamonn Darcy and Fredrik Henge. Three players were in a share of fourth place on five under par 66, Thomas Bjrn, Henrik Bjornstad and Gary Evans.
As well as setting the course record for Fota Island, Montgomerie's 63 set a new record for the first round of the Irish Open and equalled his own lowest first round in a tournament.
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