New Zealander Danny Lee claimed a share of the first round lead at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in California.
Tiger Woods had six birdies in his round of 68 on the Spyglass Hill course as he made a solid start to his US PGA Tour season, his four under effort leaving him in a tie for 15th place on his return to the tournament after an absence of ten years.
Former US Amateur Champion Lee and Dustin Johnson were part of a three-way tie for the lead after nine under rounds of 63 at Pebble Beach – Ryder Cup star Johnson pitching in for eagle on the third.
They were joined on nine under by South Korea's Charlie Wi who had been on course for a 59 at Monterey Peninsula before pars on his last three holes left him with a 61.
In a tie for fourth on eight under were Americans Ken Duke and Brian Harman, two ahead of fellow home golfers Nick Watney, Josh Teater, Kevin Na and Canadian Graham DeLaet.
Joining Woods in the tie for 15th were Scotland's Russell Knox and England's Greg Owen, while Ireland's Padraig Harrington was in joint 41st two shots further back along with Brian Davis of England.
Ian Poulter was one under with fellow Englishman Gary Christian on level par after a round of 72 at Spyglass Hill.
Woods was happy with his driving but not so with the shorter clubs.
He said: "I didn't give myself enough looks when I had wedges in my hand. I have to do a better job of that.
"This is generally the harder of the courses. Hopefully I can get it going over there Monterey and over to Pebble. [Friday] will be an important day to put it together and make some birdies."
Johnson, a winner of the tournament in 2009 and 2010, said: "Today I would have liked any golf course, but I love being out here. I love the courses. They all set up very well for me.
"I feel comfortable on them, especially off the tees. All the greens out here I'm really comfortable with reading them. I think I see the putts very well."
