Cameron Young hit an eight-under 64 to take the early lead at the Hero World Challenge in Albany.
The American's bogey-free first round saw him pick up five birdies before heading into the turn and then also make a two on the par-three 17th to come home in 33.
Young, who is still searching for his first PGA Tour victory, sits two strokes clear of Justin Thomas, who recovered from a six on the par-five third to birdie four of the last five holes.
"I just kind of got off to a nice start with the putter," Young told reporters.
"There is a bunch of par-fives and a couple of driveable holes, so I feel that if you are on top of it, especially off the tee, you can make a bunch of birdies."
Defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler is among five players tied at five under, while Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre carded a bogey-free 68 for a share of eighth place.
Scheffler, who has claimed Olympic, Masters and FedEx Cup titles this year, had opted for a claw putting grip change in the Bahamas. The 28-year-old had six birdies in his round of 67.
"Doing a little bit of testing this week is how I would describe it," Scheffler said on the Golf Channel.
