Martin Laird marked a rare return to Scotland with a six under par 66 at Kingsbarns to claim a share of the clubhouse lead at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The event, played over three courses with St Andrews and Carnoustie completing the trio, sees US PGA Tour regular Laird return to his native Scotland and he made the most of the opportunity to play in front of his family and friends with six birdies in a bogey free round.
Alongside Laird on six under were Dutchman Maarten Lafeber, who had one hole remaining at Carnoustie and New Zealander Tim Wilkinson, who was also at Carnoustie and through 15 holes.
England's Kenneth Ferrie, like Lafeber perilously close to dropping out of the top 115 that retain their playing privileges on The Race to Dubai, was Laird's nearest challenger in the clubhouse after a five under par 67 at St Andrews.
Nine of last week's winning European Ryder Cup Team are playing this week, as well as Captain Colin Montgomerie who was round in level par as he returns his focus to his own game.
All were playing Kingsbarns, and German Martin Kaymer's four under par 68 was the best showing by mid afternoon.
