Alex James got off to a flying start in the PGA North Region west qualifying round for the MEN Manchester Open at Marriott Worsley Park - he eagled the first hole.
The 27-year-old Royal St David's assistant professional then added four birdies - cancelled out by as many bogeys - in a two-under-par 69.
He had a shot to spare over a trio of players including John Cheetham from the host club where the tournament, the last of the season's four regional Order of Merit events, will be played on October 7-8.
On the same mark were fellow assistants Sean Doherty, from Bury, and Bolton's Ian Gregory.
The MEN Open will play a decisive role in determining the three North Region players competing in the end-of-season Srixon PGA Play-Offs at Royal Liverpool to find the No 1 PGA professional in the country.