Eamonn Darcy couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the lucrative PGA Champions Tour as the former Ryder Cup star opened with a five-under 67 to share second place after the opening round of the $2 million Mastercard Classic in Mexico City.
Having teed-off on the back nine, the 50-year-old endured something of a roller-coaster start to his round. Progress was made with a string of birdies at the 10th, 12th, 14th and 16th but bogeys at the 11th and 15th undid some of the good work.
A more composed front nine, his back nine, gained momentum with a birdie at the fourth and a final brace at the eighth and ninth leaving Darcy two off Allen Doyle's lead. Darcy shares second alongside the defending champion Bruce Leitzke.
It has been a welcome start for the Delgany man, who towards the end of last year went to the gruelling Qualifying School with another Irishman Des Smyth. While Smyth went on to become the first European to win the qualifying event, Darcy narrowly missed out on gaining an automatic card by a single shot.
From there Smyth went from strength to strength to claim second in his first event (ACE Classic) of the season before securing a top 10 finish a week later at the Verizon Classic to amass some €166,000 from two just events.
However, while Darcy excelled this weekend, Smyth could only manage a disappointing three-over 75 in his opening round. Double bogeys at the short second and the par five ninth left the Drogheda professional with much work to do.
Smyth still has the luxury of creating his own schedule for the season whereas Darcy must rely on invites to forthcoming events. And judging by his initial performance at the BosqueReal Country Club sponsors could well open more doors for Darcy to compete in the weeks to come.