South Africa's Trevor Immelman produced a blistering finish to hold an early share of the lead at the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday.
The 26-year-old birdied six of his last nine holes for a four-under-par 68 at Quail Hollow Club to set the first-round pace with American Bill Haas.
Compatriot Billy Andrade was alone in third after carding a 69 with twice US Open champion Retief Goosen a further stroke back, alongside Britain's Justin Rose and Americans Paul Azinger, Shaun Micheel and Vaughn Taylor.
Graeme McDowell struggled to a round of 76.
