Retief Goosen was back on happy-hunting ground in Paris today and the South African wasted little time making his intentions clear by carding an opening round of 63 in the Lancome Trophy.
The European number one won the title at the St Nom-la-Breteche venue in 2000 and was pipped the following year by a surging Sergio Garcia. France is clearly a country Goosen enjoys competing in because he also won the French Open in 1997 and 1999.
Goosen's eight-under target was closely followed Sweden's Mikael Lundberg (64) in second while Ireland's Paul McGinley shares third, with England's Mark Pilkington, on five under after shooting an impressive 66.
Padraig Harrington, who was playing alongside Goosen, bogeyed the final hole, like Goosen, but still signed for a three under 68.
Philip Walton was next of the Irish on level par through 15 holes and some way off the pace after a morning of low scoring.
Gary Murphy, Peter Lawrie and Damien McGrane are among the afternoon starters.