Kent's Paul Sherman (Ashford) and Sussex's Tim Spence (Lindfield) shared the lead after shooting two-under-par 68s in the opening round of the CK Group PGA Southern Professional Championship at Dale Hill.
In the South Region's final Order of Merit event, the pair opened up a one-stroke advantage over a group of five players which included last year's OoM champion Ant Tarchetti (Littlestone).
Of the five players in the hunt for this year's OOM title, Lee-on-Solent's James Ablett was the highest-placed player after a one-over 71.
Current leader Gary Marks (World of Golf) was a further three strokes back in a share of 33rd.