Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin's game proved to be as hot as the weather in Germany as he carded a seven-under-par 65 to take the lead after the opening round of the BMW International Open.
A bogey-free round gave the 42-year-old a one-stroke advantage over England's Oliver Fisher, who had set the clubhouse lead as one of the morning starters.
With temperatures reaching 33C, scoring conditions were good, although the long, lush rough around Golf Club Gut Larchenhof meant anything off line was usually punished.
That was not a problem for Jacquelin, starting at the 10th, who carded six birdies in nine holes from the 13th around the turn - covering the back nine in 32 - to draw level with long-time leader Fisher.
He got up and down from the back of the green for birdie at the 577-yard seventh to move clear of the field.
Fisher's six-under 66 included a trio of birdies in both halves of his round and he stands alone in second place, ahead of Chilean Felipe Aguilar and South African Zander Lombard.
Finland's Roope Kakko, also starting on the back nine, threatened to make a challenge for the top with a run of five successive birdies to the turn, but having got to six under by picking up another shot at the second, a couple of bogeys dropped him back into the pack.
Among the large group on four under are defending champion Pablo Larrazabal and Ryder Cup star Henrik Stenson.
Ireland’s Paul Dunne is one shot further back after a round which included five birdies and two bogeys.
Masters champion Danny Willett struggled off the tee and a back nine of 40 dropped him to two over.
Scot Richie Ramsay's hole in one at the 183-yard 16th won him a car from the tournament sponsors as he finished one under.
Speaking after his round, a happy Jacquelin said: "I am very pleased, I played solidly all round.
"The wind was picking up so it as not easy at all so I tried to stay focused on how I was hitting the ball.
"The rough is brutal so you definitely have to keep the ball in play, that is key this week."
