Kirkcaldy’s Peter Whiteford cast aside issues with arthritis in both hips by recording an opening five-under-par round of 65 which leaves him just a shot off the lead at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.
After being increasingly set back by the injuries following two years on the Challenge Tour, former European Tour player Whiteford earlier this year started working as the assistant professional at Linlithgow golf club.
Whiteford, who reached the Scottish Open through last weekend’s qualifying event at Longniddry, said: “It’s the adrenaline that you miss. The lifestyle of a golfer is different to a bog standard life. It’s a great life. It’s hard at times obviously. I’ve seen the good time and the bad times as a professional.
“It’s hard to be in a shop rather than playing, but a few of the members were out there watching me today and I’m normally marking them down for who has got their sweep and two’s money in.”
Inverness’ Russell Knox and Aberdeen’s Richie Ramsay was both ended the opening day with four-under-par rounds of 66, with Knox admitting fatigue is an issue following his Irish Open triumph last weekend.
Knox said: “My energy levels are dreadful, to be honest.
“It is what it is though. I was delighted with four-under though, I probably would have taken anything under par to be honest.
“But at the same time, every day I should be able to get a little more energy.
“It’s obviously a quick turnaround, but I should be all right.”
Ramsay was also in upbeat mood, and he said: “I’m really happy with the way I played. It was more what I’d call ‘Richie Ramsay golf’. I was very steady and able to pick off shots.
“I changed the lie angle on my irons this week and what a difference. I hit so many shots out there exactly how I wanted to.”
Peterhead’s Jamie McLeary was satisfied after ending a near-two year absence from the European Tour with a two-under-par round of 68 – which was matched by fellow Scots Marc Warren and Bradley Neil.
McLeary said: “I left a couple of shots out there early doors. Two-under is all right, but I feel like it could have been better.”
Grantown’s Duncan Stewart and Press and Journal columnist Stephen Gallacher both started with level par rounds of 70.