Pulkkanen three shots ahead after first round of Volvo China Open

The tournament is the penultimate leg of the DP World Tour's four-tournament Asian Swing, where the top three players after next week's Hainan Classic will receive a spot in the field for next month's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. The tournament is co-sponsored with the China Tour.

The 34-year-old Pulkkanen, who is winless on the DP World Tour, started his early morning round in calm conditions on the back nine and quickly got to work with a birdie at his second hole, the 368-yard 11th hole. After making the turn at a four-under 32, he posted three more birdies and a hole-out eagle two at the 348-yard fourth hole, his 14th hole.

"Great start for the tournament. The putter was really hot today. I think I missed one putt inside 15 feet, so lots of good putts and solid from tee to green, so good score," he said.

"I am going to keep doing the same [tomorrow]. There are some pins where you can't really go. There's some water danger kind of looking for you, so you need to be patient here and hit good wedge shots."

Chacarra, who last month won the Hero Indian Open for his first DP World Tour title, carded seven birdies and a lone bogey at the 469-yard 13th hole, his fourth hole, after also starting on the back nine.

"I knew my game was there. It was overall solid. I hit the ball well and made some putts, so happy with the start," said the Madrid native. "I am happy that I took advantage of the morning tee time. So, hopefully, I can get some good rest, do some work, and hopefully I can play good tomorrow too."