Lyle does not even have a European Tour card at present, he lies 105th on the Order of Merit, 89th on the Ryder Cup points table and his world ranking is down at 372nd.

But even though last weekend saw him score 81 and 79 at the British Open, hope appears to spring eternal.

“The game is making much more sense to me and has turned around,” he said. “I’m playing like I used to and not thinking about technique as much.

“The ambition this year was trying to maybe get close to the Ryder Cup. I’ve only got a couple of more chances – this year and another two years.”

Lyle credits Australian sports psychologist Noel Blundell for not only the way he is thinking, but also the way he is playing.

“We got together in Melbourne earlier this year and he turned the game around pretty quickly,” added Lyle.

“Then he stayed at my house the week before Wimbledon.

“He suggested I get more speed into my backswing and it was so quick I felt like I was swinging like Lanny Wadkins. But then the ball-striking gets better and the direction gets better.

“That’s what I’m looking for and, touch wood, it’s all falling into place. I can still make a hack of it now and again like everyone else, but I feel a lot more comfortable.”

Lyle’s last victory was the 1992 Volvo Masters and losing his tour card after 26 years at the end of last season means he needs a sponsor’s invitation for events such as the Irish Open.

The championship is being staged at County Louth for the first time and after an early three-putt bogey the former British Open and Masters champion charged into the lead with five birdies and then a 15-foot eagle putt on the 544-yard third, his 12th.

Playing the last six holes in one over was a disappointment after that, especially with playing partner Nick O’Hern covering them in three under for a pace-setting 64.

But coming so soon after the Troon disappointment – on 19 over par he finished last of those who made the halfway cut – he was still delighted with his day’s work.