Graeme McDowell shot a first round 68 to sit four shots off the lead after the opening day of the Porsche European Open in Germany on Thursday.
The Ulster man admitted on Wednesday that he was looking to ‘resurrect’ a disappointing season that has seen just on top-ten finish so far.
And he has given himself a chance of doing that with a three under par round at Bad Griesbach.
McDowell is four behind co-leaders Benjamin Herbert of France and Denmark’s Bernd Wiesberger, who shot seven under 64s.
Joint-leader Hebert carded eight birdies and one bogey in his 64, which was matched by a flawless effort from world number 30 Wiesberger, the highest ranked player in the field.
Meanwhile, Australia's Richard Green is on course to turn the tables on the tournament sponsors after carding an opening six under to sit tied third before Saturday’s second round.
Green is a motorsport enthusiast and raced a Porsche GT3 in Norway last week.
It’s an expensive hobby meaning he would no doubt relish claiming the first prize of €245,000 on offer at Bad Griesbach Golf Resort.
"Porsche is one of my favourite automobiles out there. I have two myself so they've made their bucks out of me," the 44-year-old left-hander said after firing six birdies and no bogeys.
"I race one and I have a GT3 at home. I love them. They are an awesome car so to see them as a sponsor this week has a good feeling.
“The European Open is a big tournament, it has a prestigious name, and it is one I would like on my list.
"I raced last week in Norway and had a great time. I'm planning on doing a little more next year and trying my luck. If it falls in with the golf schedule I will do it more."
Green was joined on six under by playing partner Richard Bland, Graeme Storm and Darren Fichardt.
Course designer Bernhard Langer, showing he still has it at 58-years-old, is just a shot behind alongside American Hunter Mahan on a day of low scoring.
Alongside McDowell on 68 is Germany's Max Kieffer.
Kieffer is looking to make the cut in his 22nd consecutive stroke play event, which would be the longest active streak on the European Tour.
