Bradley Dredge continued his love affair with Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort as he recorded an opening 63 at the Made in Denmark.
The Welshman finished second in the inaugural event in 2014 and sixth last year, firing over 70 just once in his nine rounds so far.
Nine birdies and a single bogey helped him get to within touching distance of the leaders on Thursday as he searches for a first win since 2006, and the 43 year old admits he is not sure why the Farsø layout has been so good to him.
"I felt as though I have been playing well, it was nice to put something together today," he said.
I just wish we could play every week but we can't unfortunately - Bradley Dredge
"It's just really strange, you get it sometimes with a course that just suits you, just suits your eye, you know the greens you just seem to be able to read them and see the ball going in. I just wish we could play every week but we can't unfortunately.
"I haven't had any results the last sort of month or two months. I felt like it's not far away but at the end of the day it's about scoring and I haven't been doing that so it was nice to get a good one in today.
"I've had good results around here for the last two years so it was nice to come here again. I always enjoy the course and the weather has been incredible this year, and the crowds are fantastic so it's always a pleasure to play."
Martin Kaymer was six shots behind Dredge after an opening 69 and he is aiming for a solid performance this week to impress European Ryder Cup Captain Darren Clarke.
The German has qualified for the last three victorious European teams - holing the putt to ensure the trophy was retained in 2012 - but will be relying on a Captain's pick when Clarke makes his decision on Tuesday.
The former World Number One and two-time Major Championship winner is likely to be in the forefront of Clarke's thoughts, but Kaymer admits he will understand if he is left out of a team guaranteed to contain at least five rookies.
He should pick the best three players he thinks can do something for the team - Martin Kaymer
"I would love to be part of the team, of course," he said. "It's a lifetime opportunity to play for your continent, I know how it was the first time I played so I would hate to miss out but at the end of the day, I know it's not really about me.
"It's the only tournament where you shouldn't think too much about yourself, it's a team event and you think about the ultimate which is remaining with the Ryder Cup and he should pick the best three players he thinks can do something for the team.
"It's not so much of a relief, there is not much I can do. I didn't qualify, that's my own fault, if Darren thinks I could help the team then I would put everything I have into those three days, if not then he believes someone else would be better for the team, which will be fine with me too."
