Former US Open champion Webb Simpson shot a seven-under par 65 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the RSM Classic.
Webb, the world number 12 and highest-ranked player in the PGA Tour event, holed eight birdies as he played the Plantation Course at the Sea Island Resort in Georgia first.
Fellow American Cameron Tringale and Korea's Lee Kyoung-hoon, who played their first rounds over the Seaside Course, and Australian Rhein Gibson (Plantation) were in a three-way tie on six under.
Germany's Alex Cejka (Plantation) was the highest-placed European, in a group of nine on five under, after a 67.
Former world number one Luke Donald was in a tie for 43rd on two under along with Scotland's Martin Laird after both played Plantation.
Ireland's Seamus Power endured a day to forget and already looks to be in danger of missing the cut after his round of 75 left him on +3.
The shot of the day was played by American Johnson Wagner, who holed a three wood for an albatross on the par-five 15th at Seaside. It was his third career albatross and ensured he finished the day three under.
