That included three twos on the tough par threes measuring a total of 572 yards and the 31-year-old also birdied the two short holes on the front nine on his way to a six-under-par 63.

That established a new course record for the Roman Road course which is being used this week instead of the Wentwood Hills layout which is undergoing reconstruction ahead of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

It gave Lynn a one-shot lead over left-hander Stuart Little, who finished with five birdies in his last six holes to card a 64, with former English amateur champion James Heath among those also on five under out on the course.

“We don’t play many courses with five par threes and I can’t even remember making four twos before so that must be unique,” said Lynn, who will defend his KLM Open title in Holland next week. “The good news is I paid my £2 to join the two’s competition this morning!”

Lynn is playing only his ninth event of the year after deciding to skip the long-haul events at the start of the season and admitted: “I’ve not hit form at all yet.

“I feel I’ve only played well for two rounds this year, the first two rounds in Italy, and then over the weekend it just disappeared.

“I’m just trying to be patient and wait until the game kics in. I didn’t get off to the best start today, bogeying my first hole, but then I just started ripping it.”

Heath and Miguel Angel Jimenez both birdied their respective closing holes to join Lynn on six under par at the top of the leaderboard.

Heath only turned professional last November and is relying on invites to tournaments on the main and Challenge Tour, but fortunately his manager is a certain six-time major winner by the name of Nick Faldo.

“He’s got quite a lot of pull so I’m glad he’s got my back,” said the 22-year-old from Surrey. “I’ve known him since I was 15 and came through his Faldo Junior Series.

“I actually spoke to him last week because I’ve had a bit of a frustrating year. It’s nice to know you can call him about any part of your game at any time. He’s a cool guy.”

Ireland’s Paul McGinley, second in the BMW Championship at Wentworth on Sunday, recovered from two over after four holes to finish one under, but Ryder Cup team-mate David Howell – second, second and fourth in his last three events - could only manage a two-over 71.

Faldo, defending champion Simon Khan and Colin Montgomerie were among the later starters about to begin their rounds.