Gene Sauers shot to the top of the Senior Open leaderboard at Royal Birkdale on Thursday, just three years after battling a potentially fatal skin condition.
Sauers wasn't sure if he would ever pick up a golf club again back in 2010 when he was faced with the horror illness.
Sauers was initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2009 but it was a series of medications he was prescribed that caused the dangerous Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, triggering his skin to start burning from the inside out.
Yet the American, a three-time winner on the US PGA Tour, was able to return to action and the 50-year-old marked his maiden Senior Open appearance with an impressive display in breezy conditions.
Sauers' three under par 67 ensured he would end the opening day one shot clear of 2010 champion Bernhard Langer, who was on two under along with Australian Peter Senior, David Frost of South Africa and Frankie Minoza of the Philippines.
"This is a second chance," said Sauers as he recalled his dramatic health battle.
"Both arms, both legs were burned up. After Duke University diagnosed me, I spent seven weeks in hospital, had seven lots of skin grafts and it was torture.
"I tell you, I don't want anybody to go through that. I'm blessed and I'm glad to be here."
Senior, out in level par 34 with one birdie and one bogey, moved to three under the card with birdies at 10, 11 and 17 before dropping a stroke at the last.
"I think there will be a lot of good scores out there," Senior said. "The course is playing nice and it gives you a lot of opportunity."
Defending champion Fred Couples struggled to a four over par 74 while Senior Open debutant Colin Montgomerie went two better to finish the day five shots off the lead.
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