Home hope David Law was not sure what to expect from Thursday's first round at the 2022 Hero Open after his manager had to step in and carry his bag for him at short notice, but he was a happy man after posting an opening 65.
The 31-year-old Scot was without regular caddie Max Bill through illness, so called on his manager for assistance and the partnership bore fruit as Law made eight birdies - including five in a row from the third - and a solitary bogey to get to seven under par.
Law recovered from his only dropped shot at the short 17th with a closing birdie on the 18th and was pleased with his day's work.
He said: "It was a really good day. I wasn't really sure what to expect.
"My caddie Max, he's ill. Last night at 6pm he (said he) couldn't make it today.
"So I got my manager in to carry the bag, which he did a good job. I'm really happy with that.
"He was really good. He's caddied in a tour event before so he knew what he was doing and we just had a good time, we had a laugh out there."
Also on seven under was Law's countryman Connor Syme after he carded seven birdies and no bogeys on day one.
He said: "I like it up here, the guys are really good in letting me come up a couple of weeks ago for a couple of practice rounds.
"It’s not far from home, in my own bed for a change, which is nice. It’s weird, you forget I’m playing in a tournament this week when you’re in your own place.
"I’m looking to finish the season strongly from here on in. I’m looking forward to this run.
"The schedule I’ve got until really the end of the season is very exciting, so this week feels great, and we can hopefully push on the next few days."
