Scott Drummond continued his timely return to form with a superb 64 in the opening round of the Austrian Open.

The 35-year-old’s European Tour five-year exemption for winning the PGA championship at Wentworth in 2004 expires in November and he is languishing in 158th in the Race to Dubai rankings.

Drummond must force his way into the top 115 to maintain his place on the Tour but he has clearly been buoyed by his 15th place finish in Germany a week ago.

He racked up eight birdies and just one bogey in Vienna and trails early leader Benn Barham by a shot.

Drummond said: “I’m delighted with that – it’s my lowest round of the season and one for the last few in fact.

“Getting into the top 20 last week was great but I needed to keep the momentum going.

“I’ve not hit the ball better at any point in my career and I feel comfortable where I’m at.”