He registered a five-under-par 66 to open a two-shot lead after the first round of the Tour’s final qualifying school over the Pinta course at the Pestana Golf Resort Carvoeiro in Portugal.

The 50-year-old from Richland, Washington, who finished second at the first stage of the Tour school last week, recorded seven birdies and just two bogeys to finish the round a couple of shots ahead of Japan’s Dragon Taki.

On a great day for golfers from across the Atlantic, two other Americans, John Benda and Kurt Cox, shared third place with Australia’s Hugh Dolan, while their compatriots, David Ojala, Bob E Smith and Gary Wintz all recorded 70s to share sixth place.

Also in sixth were England’s Geoff King, Ireland’s Joe McDermott, Australia’s Brian Jones, New Zealand’s Howard Broun and South Africans John Mushego and Neil Christie.

‘‘It’s a great way to start the tournament,’’ said Stull, who was once the club pro at the Walla Walla club in Washington before turning 50 just under 12 months ago.