After 36 holes of stroke play qualifying in glorious conditions in Lancashire, Broomhead’s four-under-par 68 at St Annes Old Links saw him post a total of seven-under 135.
It was the same mark as Englishman Barclay Brown, but Broomhead sealed top spot among the 288-man international field by virtue of card countback using the last six holes on both courses.
Broomhead, who has posted two top-30 finishes on the Great Britain and Ireland amateur circuit in recent weeks, chipped in for an eagle at the 17th to highlight his day as he led the top 64 and ties into the matchplay stages from tomorrow.