Alejandro Canizares produced the lowest round of his European Tour career to storm into the lead on day one of the Trophee Hassan II.
The Spaniard was near faultless as he completed the Golf du Palais Royal course in a superb 62 strokes – a bogey on the third the only blip as he came in 10 under par at the Moroccan venue.
A run of four consecutive birdies between 12 and 15 was the highlight and Canizares hailed his opening day as a huge confidence boost.
"It was one of those days for me, my swing felt great, I started putting well and the putts went in," he is quoted as saying by the European Tour website. "It was a lot of fun. When golf is like this it's easy.
"After today the confidence is great but it wasn't there for the last month. After Dubai I started losing a little bit of form but this game is up and down so you can't expect the best all the time.
"I think I played one of the best rounds I've played. I missed a couple of drives and from the fairway I missed one shot that cost me a bogey, but that was about it I think."
Seve Benson is one shot back at nine under and avoided posting a single bogey on his way round.
The Englishman made light work of windy conditions to finish off with four birdies on the bounce and was pleased with how he dealt with the difficult weather.
"It felt pretty good to be honest,"he said. "It was so windy out there on the back nine, pars were a good score, but I just managed to play the tough holes well and sink some putts."
Connor Arendell and Magnus A Carlsson are tied for third at seven under, while Tommy Fleetwood, Andy Sullivan and Marc Warren all share fifth spot after rounds of 66.
Reigning champion Marcel Siem is by no means out of contention after registering a score of three under on the opening day.