Ireland's Padraig Harrington celebrated his 30th birthday today by shooting a 63 to surge within a stroke of the lead at the BMW International Open - the tournament which launched his Ryder Cup career.
Two years ago Harrington sank the putt on the last which ensured he finished second behind Colin Montgomerie in the Munich event to take him into Mark James's team for Brookline, where the Irishman had a successful Cup debut even though Europe lost narrowly.
This time the easy-going Dubliner sealed his place early, even though he has not been in the winner's enclosure this year, his five second places getting him into Sam Torrance's team months ago.
Harrington has been second a remarkable 14 times in five years but his nine-under-par return to sit only a stroke behind early leader Adam Scott of Australia, show that the Irish professional is once more preparing to don the winner's laurels that have avoided him so many times.
His blemish-free card with nine birdies indicated that Harrington would be a threat at matchplay and an able partner to anyone Torrance wants to pair him with.
And he could be one of the players the captain will rely on to perform five times out of five at The Belfry if he keeps his form.
For the moment, though, Harrington was happy to add his 63 to the birthday presents his wife Caroline has bought him.