Conor Purcell and Tom McKibbin enjoyed an excellent opening day at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship to sit just two shots off the leaders.
Purcell, competing at the Kingbarns course, shot a seven-under par 65, while McKibbin hit the same score on St Andrews.
The tournament is unique in that one professional is paired with an amateur, playing three different courses over three days before the 54-hole cut.
England's Matthew Jordan, Dutchman Darius van Driel and American Ryan Brehm share the lead on nine-under.
Jordan nearly produced a big finish, but his approach at the 18th hit the flag and rolled to 22 feet so he had to make do with a closing par.
Van Driel and Brehm also finished the day on nine under par after shooting 63s at Kingsbarns.
The trio led by one shot ahead of two-time major champion Dustin Johnson and Danes Jacob Skov Olesen and Jeff Winther.
Home favourites Grant Forrest and Daniel Young were among a large group on seven under including the Irish duo.
Padraig Harrington is in a tie for 110th back on two-under. His round was played at Carnoustie.
Jordan, who is no stranger to links golf as a member at Royal Liverpool, said: "It was brilliant. Any time you get to play this place, especially with no wind, it's just so enjoyable.
"And, yeah, it just took off. It was a couple of holes just steady away and then all of a sudden fireworks.
"I think that’s probably the first time I’ve gone eagle-eagle in a tournament, so that certainly helps, and then all of a sudden just trying to keep carrying it on."
Jack Senior and Dery Desmond led the team competition by three shots on 17 under par after a productive first day at the Old Course.
