Simon Dyson's attempt to grab a Ryder Cup place saw him charge into the early first round lead at the final qualifying event.
But, while Dyson was all smiles as he raced to six under par after just 14 holes, compatriot Ross McGowan's dream of a debut appeared to have been dashed by a return of shoulder trouble.
Needing a top-two finish in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles to have a chance of securing an automatic place, McGowan was five over par with two holes of his opening round to go.
Earlier this year he suffered knee and then wrist problems, but it is the trapped nerve which has now derailed his bid in the final move of the 12-month race.
The 28 year old, excused the eve-of-tournament pro-am on medical grounds, managed only four pitch shots on the practice range on Wednesday before calling a halt.
Despite painkillers and strapping he dropped shots on the tenth, 13th, 15th and long 16th, where he was in a greenside bunker for two, left it in and then missed from seven feet.
Even when he struck his tee shot to 15 feet on the 194 yard next he squatted down in clear pain and then got up feeling his shoulder and chest.
Playing partner Miguel Angel Jiménez had every sympathy, but the injury was good news for the 46 year old Spaniard, currently in the hot seat of ninth on the points table.
Pushed down into the last automatic qualifying spot by Peter Hanson's Czech Open win on Sunday, Jiménez made a late decision to play rather than take the week off.
That meant missing his nephew's wedding - unless he misses the cut - but the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Alstom Open de France champion was off to a good start and stood two under after 15 holes.
Should Dyson win on Sunday, however, Jiménez would have to finish in the top nine to keep him at bay.
His countryman Alvaro Quiros was in the same position as Dyson entering the week - nothing less than victory would suffice - but he was level par after 14.
On the same mark was Hanson, not safe yet at eighth in the standings.
