The young Scot has fond memories of Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Golf and Country Club, having won the Scottish Boys Stroke Play Championship there in similarly treacherous conditions last year.

And despite betraying some initial nerves with a hooked drive off the first tee, the Banchory member – who is in the first year of a scholarship at Arizona State University in America – subsequently belied his tender years with a flawless round of golf which saw him grab the clubhouse lead on five under par, one shot clear of fellow Scot Chris Doak.

The highlight of the youngster's round came at the 13th, where he struck a seven iron 190 yards for his first hole in one.

Byrne said: "The wind had changed, because on the 12th it was into our faces. Then when we got onto the 13th tee, it was behind us. I was first to hit, so I didn't know which club to use.

"I just hit my seven iron and hoped for the best. It landed just the other side of the bunker, but I had no idea where it had ended up. I thought it would be about five or six feet away, but then when I got onto the green my ball wasn't there. So I had a look in the hole, and there it was!

"It was the highlight of a great day. There's no pressure on the amateurs, so I'm just out here to enjoy it really. There's some very good players out here – it's all good experience for me."

Doak's day was perhaps less dramatic, but seven birdies and four bogeys helped him to a round of 67.

The Scot, a six time winner on his national Tartan Tour this season, said: "This has to be some of the best golf of my career. I wouldn't say I'm finding it easy exactly, but I am swinging really well at the minute, and getting my rewards."

Doak was joined on four under par by Sweden's Klas Eriksson, who dropped just one shot en route to his round of 67.