Australia's David Micheluzzi has said he relied on an "elite" short game to claim a narrow lead after the opening round of the BMW International Open.
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Micheluzzi carded seven birdies and a solitary bogey to return a six-under-par 66 and enjoy a one-shot lead over English teenager Frank Kennedy, former Masters champion Patrick Reed, Scotland's Ewen Ferguson and South African Casey Jarvis.
Another Australian, Tom Power Horan, is one of six players tied for sixth two shots behind Micheluzzi.
"It was all over the shop to be honest," Michelluzzi said of his round at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried.
"I was a little bit wayward with the swing early but the putter and short game were elite today and then on the back nine I gave myself some chances.
"If you saw the way I was hitting it you'd be like 'How the hell did you get a top 10?' [last week] but the short game and putting at the moment I've just gotten a really good feel of it in the last probably two or three weeks.
"Just got to hit some greens and we'll be flying."
Kennedy, who turned professional 12 months ago after reaching the semi-finals of the Amateur Championship, has struggled to make his mark in the paid ranks so far, but carded seven birdies in an encouraging 67.
"It's been a shaky start so far but nice to go out and put a score on the board and get set for tomorrow," the 18-year-old said.
Reed described his own 67 as "stress free", although the former world No.6 will have been disappointed not to build on a flying start after covering his first seven holes in four under.
Making his 513th and final appearance on the European Tour, former world number one Bernhard Langer was moved by the reception his received before and during an opening 71.
"It was unbelievable," Langer said. "I teed off at 7:40 so I got to the tee at 7:30 in the morning and it seemed like there were thousands of people and the atmosphere was incredible all the way around.
"It was very emotional. I was almost teary-eyed and I struggled a bit on the first tee shot. I really had to gather myself and say please don't let me miss this ball, get it airborne."
Australian Associated Press
