South Africa's Trevor Immelman produced a blistering finish to hold an early share of the lead at the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 26-year-old birdied six of his last nine holes for a four-under-par 68 at Quail Hollow Club to set the first-round pace with American Bill Haas.
Haas, 23, whose father Jay and brother Jay jnr are also in the field, recovered in style after a slow start on the back nine, four birdies and an eagle-three at the fifth lifting him into contention.
Compatriot Billy Andrade was alone in third after carding a 69 with twice US Open champion Retief Goosen a further stroke back, alongside Justin Rose, Paul Azinger, Shaun Micheel and Vaughn Taylor.
US Masters champion Phil Mickelson, hunting his third title on the 2006 PGA Tour, was among a big group on 71 after mixing six birdies with five bogeys.
Graeme McDowell, the sole Irish challenger in a strong field, needs a strong finish to drag himself into contention after a double bogey on the 14th (his fifth), compounded by a further dropped shot on the 18th left him three over after 12 holes.
"I actually played pretty similar all day," Immelman told reporters after teeing off at the par-five 10th. "I got stuck on that short par-four, hit the rough on the right and hit a sand wedge on to the green, which I thought was a pretty good shot but the ball kept running and went into the water," he added, referring to his double-bogey on 14.
"That was pretty much my score on that side. Then I turned around and hit it to about five feet on the first and made a birdie."
Helped by some superb approach play, Immelman went on to pick up further shots at the third, fourth, sixth, seventh and ninth.
"I just caught some momentum on those nine holes, and it was nice to convert all my chances," he said. "This course sets up exactly like a US Open or a US PGA (Championship). You've got long holes and you have to be deadly accurate off the tee because, if you're in the rough, you've got no chance of scoring."
Defending champion Vijay Singh, three-times major winner Ernie Els, Spaniard Sergio Garcia and Americans Jim Furyk and Davis Love III were among the late starters.
Nine of the world's top 11 players are competing this week in one of the strongest fields of the year.
