Niall Kearney lies three strokes off the lead after an impressive opening round in the Cazoo Classic at the London Golf Club in Kent.
The early pace is being set by in-form veteran Richard Bland, who carded a blemish free round of 65, to reach seven under par at the end of Round 1.
The 2021 British Masters champion leads by one stroke from fellow Englishman Dale Whitnell and the USA's Shiwan Kim.
Dubliner Kearney sits three strokes behind after a four-under par round of 68, notching three birdies in four holes between the 15th and 18th.
The round continues a run of strong form for Kearney, who registered a top-ten finish at the Hero Open in St Andrew's last weekend.
Of the other Irish players in action, Jonny Caldwell carded a two-under par round of 70, after registering three early birdies, giving one back to the field late on.
Cormac Sharvin meanwhile, recovered from two double bogeys on his outward nine (the back nine) to card a one-under par round of 71, racking up four birdies in his final six holes.
