Australian veteran Peter Fowler set the early pace in the British Masters today when he opened with a seven-under 65 to be the early clubhouse leader.
It was a stunning performance from the 44-year-old who six years ago decided his golf game was 'crap' and considered quitting the tour.
"I realised I was crap. I was playing rubbish and I knew I justwasn't good enough but it took me a while to realise it," admittedFowler.
But inspired by the growing crop of young stars such as Adam Scott, Fowler reworked his game and over the past two years has gradually found himself in a position to challenge again.
"Back in the mid-80's you made the cut at two-under. But thenthe cuts got lower and my game did not keep up. I got left behind,"said Fowler, who last year finished second in the Heineken Classicbehind Ernie Els and ended the season 63rd in the European moneylist - his highest finish since 1993.
"It has taken me since mid-97 to get my game better. It's been a good learning curve. I started well this year. All the time I see I am improving," added Fowler who has had four top 10 finishes this year.
Chasing Fowler is Scotland's Raymond Russell who carded a six-under 66. Russell admitted he needed a talking too from coach Bob Torranceto shake himself out of the comfort zone he had allowed himself toget into.
"I have underachieved for four or five years now. I could be doing a lot better than I am," said the 31-year-old who's only European Tour win was the Cannes Open seven years ago.
Another player finding himself back on a leaderboard was Italy'sCostantino Rocca who managed a four-under 68.
Last year the Italian only managed to win Stg£52,000 pounds in 25outings as his game vanished.
This season has been even worse, as he missed nine cuts and hisbest finish to date being tied for 69th at the Qatars Masters.
But an eagle along with four birdies offset two bogeys to allowRocca to show some of his 2001 form.
Fowler and Russell were both firmly in the clubhouse before pre-tournament favourite Darren Clarke, paired with Colin Montgomerie and Ignacio Garrido, were due to tee off.
Defending champion Justin Rose finished the day three-under andfour back of Fowler.