Scotland's Craig Howie carded a bogey-free 65 to take a share of the first-round lead at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed in Sweden.
Five birdies over the back nine catapulted the 27-year-old into a four-way tie at the top on seven under with Frenchman Matthieu Pavon, Spain’s Santiago Tarrio and Italian amateur Carolina Melgrati.
England’s Liz Young had eight birdies in her round, but two bogeys meant she finished one shot off the lead in a share of fifth at Halmstad Golf Club, where 78 men and 78 women play over the same course.
Tournament co-host and Ryder Cup captain Henrik Stenson, playing alongside compatriot Peter Hanson on his 401st and final tour appearance, shot a two-under 70.
Alongside them was Maja Stark, winner of three Ladies European Tour titles in the last year, who matched Stenson’s score.
Northern Ireland's Jonathan Caldwell, who is the defending champion, and compatriot Olivia Mehaffey sit on one under.
"Even though we played earlier there were still a fair amount of people that made it out of bed early and came out to watch us play, so it was good fun," Stenson told the European Tour website.
"And playing alongside Peter Hanson here in his final DP World Tour start before going into retirement, it’s great to be out with him.
"And also to see one of the real up-and-coming young Swedish players in Maja, and she played nicely. She was a little frustrated with the score, I think, and with herself a couple of times.
"And that’s just great for the future, really seeing that drive and hunger to do better. She’s going to be just fine."
Stenson’s co-host Annika Sorenstam shot a two-over 72.
