The driver, which had been left in Lincoln Tighe's bag for the two rounds of stroke play, loomed as the key to his success in the British Amateur Championship.
The 19-year-old Port Kembla golfer, who finished equal 52nd to qualify for the elite match play section of the championship, faced Englishman Billy Hemstock in the first round last night.
Tighe had 75 around the West Lancashire layout on Tuesday, when a poor finish cost him a bye into the second round by a single shot as he totalled 146.
The driver has been a major casualty in the big-hitting teen's attempt to rein in his game - but it will be a weapon in the man-on-man format.
"I'm striking the ball really well," Tighe said.
"I've only hit my driver once in the past two days because the fairways are so tight and there's a lot of run.
"I can afford to hit irons and still be in good shape.
"I'm stoked to make the top 64 and I'm hoping I can go deep in the draw."
A bogey on the par three 17th cost Tighe a place in the second round of the match play and means he will have to play two rounds on the opening day of match play to advance.
Tighe was one of five Australians to make the match play section, with Brendan Smith and Matt Jager, the best of them, shooting 140 to finish fourth in the medal play.
Sixteen-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero became the youngest golfer to lead stroke play, with 135 aggregate four shots better than the remainder of the field.
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