Richie Ramsay’s five under par Volvo China Open start would certainly have brought joy to an ailing New York friend.

Ramsay didn’t drop a shot in snatching five birdies to be lying just three strokes from the lead on the Binhai Lake course in Tianjin.

England rookie Matthew Baldwin heads the co-sanctioned event in carding a seven under par 65.

Richie Ramsay bringing joy to ailing friend. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

Ramsay heads the field of 10 Scots in his best start in nearly six months since recording an opening 65 on route to finishing third in last October’s Andalucian Masters.

But it was thoughts of an ailing New York businessman Dick Gilbert that that kept the Aberdonian focussed.

Ramsay had once caddied for Gilbert and took an instant liking to the Scotty Cameron ‘Futura’ putter the Fifth Ave resident was using.

Gilbert promised Ramsay he would send him one of the putters and a fortnight later a putter arrived with a retail price of $US 285.

Ramsay then took the putter to Hazeltine to capture the 2006 U.S. Amateur Championship and become the first Scot in 108 years to win the title.

And when Ramsay pro a year later it was Gilbert who was the Scot’s first financial backer.

“I said to Dick that I would try and play well so you will have something to watch on TV,” said Ramsay.

“We’ve been good friends for perhaps the last seven, eight or nine years and while he’s a little bit older than me he’s not in good health at present.

“He’s had a bit of an illness that’s come on and he’s got to stay at home for 90 days, and is on an intravenous drip.

“So that round was for him.

“But it was very difficult out there and all I was trying to do was to put a good score on the board.”

Colin Montgomerie recorded his lowest score all season to be next best of the Scots in signing for a 68.

In contrast his World Cup winning team mate Marc Warren posted his worst ever score since joining the Tour full time in 2006.

Included in Warren’s 85 was three double bogeys and an eighth hole quadruple bogey.