Martin Kaymer delighted the home fans with an opening 67 in the BMW International Open in a bid for his first victory in five years, with Ireland's Gavin Moynihan well placed after his round.
Kaymer, whose last European Tour title came in the 2014 US Open at Pinehurst, carded five birdies in a flawless round at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried to lie one shot off the lead held by Italy's Andrea Pavan.
Gavin Moynihan carded an opening round of 70 that included an eagle three at the 18th.
Paul Dunne carded a 74.
With an afternoon thunderstorm forcing play to be suspended for almost three hours, the first round will be completed on Friday.
"I didn't play great but I played solid, put the ball in good positions to give myself chances," Kaymer told Sky Sports.
"I had three crucial putts today that kept the momentum on my side, so overall very solid."
Addressing the support, he added: "It's very nice, and as a German, it's very rare we have that.
"We play many, many tournaments in America and Britain, so those guys are a bit more used to it, but for me, it's only once a year so it's also a little bit tricky because it's so unexpected.
"It's a bit of an adjustment, the first three or four holes but it's very fun."
England's Oliver Wilson is alongside Kaymer on five under par, with defending champion and Race-to-Dubai leader Matt Wallace part of a large group two shots further back following a 69.
Wallace, who flew to Germany after finishing 12th in the US Open on Sunday, said: "I didn't take advantage of the par fives and I was in good shape on most of them so it's a little disappointing.
"I'm still maybe getting over a little bit of jet-lag so the intensity wasn't quite there but it's not bad."
Wallace played alongside four-time major winner Brooks Koepka in the third round at Pebble Beach and is trying to emulate the world number one's composure on the course.
"That was probably my proudest moment ever on a golf course playing with him," the 29-year-old Londoner added.
"I was three over after nine, not playing well but controlled my emotions well, birdied 14 and eagled the last to shoot level par and keep myself in the tournament.
"I learned a lot that day - leave the door open for something good to happen, and it did." 202042 JUN 19
