In-form Spaniard Rafa Cabrera-Bello shared the lead on seven-under-par 65 with Dane Lasse Jensen and Daniel Gaunt of Australia after the BMW International Open first round in Munich on Thursday.
The 31-year-old Cabrera-Bello, who has finished fourth, 13th and second in his last three events, put in another good performance on a sun-drenched day at the Eichenreid Golf Club.
"I have been playing well for a few weeks now," he told reporters after reeling off nine birdies.
"I putted really nicely and holed a few good long ones so it was nice to keep the momentum going after a week off."
Cabrera-Bello has won twice on the European Tour and lost out to Paraguay's Fabrizio Zanotti in a four-way playoff in last year's BMW event.
Title favourite Henrik Stenson, the world number seven, opened with a 67 but local hero Martin Kaymer struggled to a 72.
Kevin Phelan is best of the Irish contingent after shooting a four-under-par round of 68 and is tied for tenth place.
Michael Hoey and Damien McGrane are both on three under, while Peter Lawrie and Darren Clarke are a shot further back.
Shane Lowry finished on level par after a 72.
