One-time major winner Geoff Ogilvy failed to hit his straps, but Victorian journeyman John Wade found it easy to get into the groove during the opening round of the Perth International at Lake Karrinyup.
Ogilvy, the 2006 US Open champion, faces an uphill battle to win the $US1.75 million ($A1.9 million) golf event after posting a one-over 73 on Thursday.
Wade had no such struggles, shooting a tournament record round of eight-under 64 to share the lead with Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen.
West Australian Michael Sim, Scotland’s Peter Whiteford, South Korean Kim Sihwan and England’s Tom Lewis are equal third at six-under.
Five-time European Tour winner Brett Rumford defied his recent poor form to shoot a five-under 67, while 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel sits one stroke further back after nailing a long-range putt on his final hole.
Defending champion Jin Jeong sits even with the card, while 2013 PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner is two-under in his first competitive hit-out since succumbing to a serious neck injury in August.
Rising French star Victor Dubuisson has some work to do after finishing at one-under.
Wade, a full-time golf instructor who only secured qualification for the Perth International on Monday, said he surprised even himself with his hot opening round that included six birdies and an eagle.
But the 46-year-old said he would still consider quitting the sport at the end of the year even if he manages to win this week and secure a one-year exemption on the European Tour.
“I’m not playing much golf these days,” the world No.1502 said.
“I’ve got a lot of holes in my game that still that rear their head.
“Unless I can get rid of that, I wouldn’t even contemplate (going back on the European Tour).
“This is ridiculous really (to be leading this event). I didn’t know what to expect.
“I’ve really been struggling recently, even in the lead-up.
“This is all new to me. I’ve just got to go out with the same attitude tomorrow.”
Wade, who turned professional in 1991 but has barely played in recent years, felt he had underachieved during his 23-year career.
“I feel like I’ve sold myself pretty short,” Wade said.
“My short game has been a massive issue my whole career. It’s killed me.
“I always tried to take a few shortcuts along the way.
“And belief is probably the other thing that I haven’t had enough of.
“You have people telling you you’re good enough, but you’ve got to believe it yourself.”
Olesen received a slice of luck on the 18th hole when his sliced drive hit a tree and bounced back onto the edge of the fairway.
The highlight of the day belonged to Anthony Brown, who scored a hole in one on the par-three 12th.
