Camilo Villegas fired a five under par 67 to lie just two shots off the lead after the first round of the Quail Hollow Championship.
The Colombian European Tour Member managed five birdies in his bogey-free round to remain in touch with leader Bo Van Pelt in Charlotte.
Veteran Kenny Perry went round in six under to lie second, while Australian Geoff Ogilvie and Argentina's Anders Romero are in the group one behind Villegas at four under.
Alex Cejka continued his decent form with a two under 70, which was matched by two-time Major winner Angel Cabrera.
Martin Laird, Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington and Ross Fisher are all part of the group on level par.
