Ian Poulter, first and second on his last two starts, was among those who suffered worst on the toughest day of the European tour season so far.
Twelve days after a course record-equalling 63 in the British Masters at the Forest of Arden Poulter had an 11 over par 83 in the opening round of the Diageo Championship at windswept Gleneagles.
"I just had to laugh," said the 27-year-old from Milton Keynes. "Obviously the last two weeks have helped (he earned over £350,000), but I didn't let it get to me and I can't say I'm overly fussed.
"It was just so difficult to make proper contact because it was blowing so hard. I've had a very bad day, but anybody under par has had an unbelievable one. Shooting two under must be like eight under on a normal day."
Scotland's Alastair Forsyth and Marc Warren along with Australian Brad Kennedy came in with impressive 70s, while Zane Scotland, despite missing a three-foot putt at the last, had a level par 72 on his professional debut that was matched by Colin Montgomerie and was good enough to put him in the top 10.
Poulter was not the only big name to come a cropper. Ignacio Garrido, winner of last month's Volvo PGA champion, had to finish with a birdie just to break 80 and Spanish Open champion Kenneth Ferrie beat Poulter only by one after running up 10 bogeys.
Ryder Cup match-winner Paul McGinley, took 76, while Gary Murphy was the best of the Irish with a 73.
