Edoardo Molinari was delighted to get the putter going as he carded a bogey-free 66 to put himself right in contention for a fourth DP World Tour win at the 2022 Catalunya Championship.
The 2010 Ryder Cup star produced one of the stories of the 2017 season when he won the Trophée Hassan II having had to secure his card here at PGA Catalunya Golf and Wellness via the Qualifying School in the previous two years.
He had his best result since that win as he came second at the 2021 Porsche European Open and he was once again finding his form as he moved to eight under on day three in Girona.
"I think I played very well today," he said. "I think this week so far I'm putting better than others, maybe.
"I've been struggling on the greens for a long time, the long game has always been there so it's nice to finally be able to make some putts."
The Italian made birdies on the third, fourth and seventh, an eagle on the 12th and another birdie on the 15th as he went five under for the par fives.
"I think you have to keep the ball in play, you have to hit a lot of greens," he added. "The rough is up and it's tricky to get up and down around the greens.
"One of the reasons I didn't play last week was because I felt like the next three weeks are going to suit me a lot.
"It's going to be a little bit softer tomorrow depending on the amount of rain. I think today the flags were a bit more accessible than the last two days."
Countryman Lorenzo Gagli went one better than Molinari with a 65, and he too has experience of this week's layout from the Q School.
I'll try to keep doing the same thing, to hit shot-by-shot and just focus on my game - Lorenzo Gagli
He was a graduate in 2008 and 2009, the first two years the venue played host, and was delighted to put all his knowledge to good use.
"It has been a very good day today," he said. "I played really good golf and I'm very happy for the result.
"I played here a few Final Stages at the Qualifying School so I know the course very well.
"It's in great condition, the golf course is amazing, it's a very good golf course and if you play well you have a few chances to make birdie but if you play bad it's really, really tough to reach the 18 greens.
"I'll try to keep doing the same thing, to hit shot-by-shot and just focus on my game."
