Jhonattan Vegas fired a 6-under 64 in Round 1 of the Honda Classic to hold a 2-shot lead over the field.
Vegas took advantage of easier-than-normal conditions at PGA National early on Thursday with a bogey-free performance that included six birdies.
The 34-year-old Venezuelan finished fourth at the 2017 Honda Classic and is now looking for his fourth PGA Tour win.
A group of major champions trails Vegas by two, with Zach Johnson, Ernie Els, and Lucas Glover all at 4-under par. Canadian Ben Silverman is also in the pack two behind the leader.
Notables Brooks Koepka, who played alongside Vegas, Sergio Garcia, and Rickie Fowler all shot 3-under rounds of 67 on Day 1.
Defending champion Justin Thomas shot 68.
Round 1 scoring average at PGA National was slightly over par at 70.9, according to the PGA Tour's Rob Bolton. The host of the Honda Classic played as the second hardest course on Tour last year behind Shinnecock Hills, home of the 2018 U.S. Open.