Richard Green played a supporting role to world champion Lewis Hamilton earlier this year but now the speed-mad golfer has put himself in pole position to win the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.

Green was today looking to maintain his lead in the tournament after carding a first round seven-under-par 64 that included six birdies and an eagle.

The Australian, one ahead of British pair Graeme Storm and Martin Laird, Ireland's Paul McGinley and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, of Spain, said: "It was a great round. I was in control."

The highlight of Green's track career came in March, when he competed in a Porsche Carrera Cup car in a supporting race for the Formula One season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Green, 38, said: "Racing does for me now what golf did for me when I was a kid, I get a real buzz out of it. My father used to take me to speedway racing when I was growing up, so the interest has always been there.

"But it wasn't until 1997 that I was able to start racing heavily because at last I was able to afford my own car thanks to my winnings on the golf tour. It's a world away from golf.

"In a racing situation I really have to be switched on much more than I have ever been on a golf course.

"On the fairways you can relax and take your time between shots but in a race car you can't afford to lose focus for a second or you're off the track."

Double US Open champion Lee Janzen, hunting his first PGA Tour victory in more than a decade, charged into a share of the lead in the opening round of the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois.

The 44-year-old American fired a seven-under-par 64, which was matched by compatriot Darron Stiles.