Matthew Jordan was buoyed by his fine recent record at Open Championships as he kicked off his 2025 campaign with a stunning 68 but stressed the importance of "working on every shot" at Royal Portrush Golf Club.
The 29-year-old is one of only two players in a star-studded field to come into the week with top-ten finishes in the last two Opens, and he shone once again in Thursday's opening round.
Jordan carded six birdies, including three in a row from the tenth hole, to finish the first round on three under par.
And he said knowing he can perform well on this stage was a big help.
When asked if his recent results in this tournament had given him confidence, Jordan said: "Of course. You try to channel that confidence.
"Although I've done well, because there's so many variables in links golf, it doesn't necessarily mean it's going to happen again. I've still got to work at it.
"I've got to work on every shot and try my best. Having that experience of knowing I can do it is a great thing."
Jordan appreciated being cheered on by the bumper crowds in County Antrim, especially when the conditions got difficult during the afternoon.
He added: "It's absolutely brilliant. I just love it. The reception that you get on the first tee and the walk into it and obviously the grandstand at the 18th, to me, there's just nothing like it.
"And everyone's so knowledgeable as well. Everyone understands what a good shot is, even though there probably wasn't too much clapping when it was absolutely hammering it down, which I don't blame them for because they've all got brollies up."
