Paul Casey shot a 9-under 63 Thursday to lead by one shot after the first round of the Dunhill Links, strengthening his bid to win the European Order of Merit.
The 29-year-old Englishman has a US$152,000 lead on David Howell, who has a lingering shoulder injury and shot 75 at the Kingsbarns course.
``I would dearly love to win it and if it happens, it happens,'' Casey said of the Order of Merit. ``It would just be a wonderful honour, (but) I am really not going to think about it.''
The event is being played on three courses, and Bradley Dredge shot a record 8-under 64 on the newly extended Old Course at St. Andrews. He is tied for second with Scottish Open winner Johan Edfors, who played at Kingsbarns.
Vijay Singh and Gary Evans (Kingsbarns), and Anders Hansen (Carnoustie) shared fourth place with 65s.
Casey, who had a hole in one at the Ryder Cup, hit an 80-yard second shot to hole No. 6 at Kingsbarns _ one of four 2s in his round.
``I am just trying to keep the game simple, find the fairways and find the greens,'' he said. ``It just seems to be clicking.''
Padraig Harrington (66) birdied the first four holes at Kingsbarns for a share of seventh place. Scott Drummond (66) sank a putt from about 30 yards out for a rare birdie at the notorious Road Hole 17th on The Old Course.
European Ryder Cup players Robert Karlsson, Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood shot 68s at Kingsbarns.
Defending champion Colin Montgomerie (73) and Darren Clarke (76) struggled at Kingsbarns, while Ernie Els shot 69.
Casey, who won the World Match Play Championship last month, won three points to help Europe retain the Ryder Cup at The K Club.
