Shane Lowry continued his excellent record at Wentworth Golf Club with an opening 67 at the 2020 BMW PGA Championship that left him just a shot off the lead.
The Open Champion clearly enjoys the test of the West Course, with six top 15s in his last seven starts at this event and a best finish of sixth since it became a Rolex Series event.
His win at Royal Portrush Golf Club last summer saw him complete the hat-trick of Major Championship, World Golf Championships and Rolex Series titles, and he feels very comfortable as he goes in search of another triumph in the European Tour's prestige events.
"It's our flagship event in Europe and I love everything about it," he said. "I love staying down in Coral Park and I love coming here and playing the golf course.
"I miss the fans here, the best of the year by far, and I miss them. You really do miss them in tournaments because they come out here and there are thousands and they do appreciate good golf. So we miss them here.
"Everything about Wentworth and the whole area down here, just love it."
Lowry turned in 34 but really came to life on the back nine as he made the most of the par five 12th, put an approach to six feet on the next and then made arguably the putt of the day on the 14th as a 36 footer took a big left to right turn down the slope and found the bottom of the cup.
A bogey followed on the next but the Irishman holed another long putt on the 16th and took advantage of the par five penultimate hole.
"I'm very happy with that," he said. "I came here, only arrived here Tuesday night and I played a practice round yesterday and couldn't believe how different it was playing this year - long and soft and difficult.
"We were very lucky with our side of the draw today. I think the morning starters had it harder than we did, so I was happy to go out there this afternoon. We sort of played the last few holes with not much wind and I took advantage of that."
