Aberdeen duo Richie Ramsay and Paul Lawrie are in the title hunt after the first day’s play in the Spanish Open.
Ramsay is tied for second place on three under par, one shot behind leader Eddie Pepperell of England while Lawrie is a shot behind on two under.
For Ramsay, simply being in contention is an achievement after he shot 69 despite feeling under the weather.
He said: “I haven’t been feeling 100% lately as I’ve picked up a bug since Singapore and have really struggled, so hopefully this is things turning around and an injury and illness free run lies ahead.
“I don’t know where it’s come from but I wish it would go away. I’ve been on antibiotics the last two days which has helped but with the heat and the hills this week I need to be 100%.”
Ramsay is pleased with his start in Spain but knows he has to maintain his form if he is to remain in contention at the PGA Catalunya Resort.
He said: “It’s a very good score to start the tournament as the greens are firm and fast and the rough is deep and thick.
“You’ve got to be patient out there as it’s a challenging course this week.
“I hit it close on the first three holes which gave me a nice cushion and I played nice the next 10 holes but I just couldn’t make a birdie.”
For Lawrie, making his first appearance since May due to a neck injury, his opening 70 was also pleasing.
He said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect today as I struggled a little yesterday and haven’t played a competitive round for three and a half months.
“But I hit it really good and gave myself so many birdie chances. To be two under is decent as the course is pretty long with some tough rough in places.
“It is really good to be back out there competing again and I’ve missed it.
“I had a bit of a sore right shoulder warming up but popped some pills and manned up.
“We were almost five hours to get round though which is complete joke. Clearly pace of play hasn’t improved in my time away.”