South Africa's Trevor Immelman led The Greenbrier Classic by one shot after shooting a six under par opening round.
Immelman carded seven birdies against one bogey for a 70 to lead by a stroke from Americans Billy Mayfair, Derek Lamely, Webb Simpson and Gary Woodland, as well as Steven Bowditch of Australia.
The 2008 Masters Champion, has not had a top-ten finish since returning from surgery on his wrist 18 months ago but is confident he is nearing his best.
"I hope I'm close," he said. "You never know with this game. It's been a frustrating couple of years not being able to swing the way I want to swing and practise the way I want to practise.
"I've definitely seen signs of improvement. Albeit slow progress, there's been progress. So I just keep trying to remind myself that I'm 31 and I've got a long way ahead of me. I'm just trying to stay patient and keep things going."
Australian Stuart Appleby recorded a 71 on the opening day of his title defence at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
The 40 year old shot a final round 59 to win the inaugural tournament 12 months ago but he struggled to reach such dizzying heights, sitting seven strokes behind Immelman.
