Ireland’s Seamus Power is one shot behind leader Denny McCarthy after the opening round at the Genesis Invitational in San Diego.
Power, 37, bogeyed the second hole but picked up four shots from there to move into contention with a three-under-par 69 at Torrey Pines Golf Course on Thursday.
Leader McCarthy, who is yet to win on the PGA Tour, eagled the final hole to take a one-shot lead over fellow American Patrick Rodgers and Power.
World number one Scottie Scheffler is one shot further back at two under, alongside Davis Thompson and Wyndham Clark, while Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy ended the day on even par.
Only 19 of the 72 players shot even par or better in challenging wet and windy conditions.
The event is being hosted at Torrey Pines, rather than Los Angeles’ Riviera Country Club, because of last month’s wildfires.
