Hideki Matsuyama produced a stunning first-round 63 to take the lead at the PLAYERS Championship.
The Japanese star has not won on the PGA Tour since 2017, but has hinted throughout recent months that a return to his very best is imminent - should the putter behave.
That is exactly what it did on Thursday, a 25-foot eagle putt at the ninth taking him to nine-under as several players capitalised on warm, calm conditions in Florida.
Matsuyama began his round at the 10th and rattled off four birdies, before dropping a shot at the par-five 16th after his second shot found water.
After getting that stroke back at the second, he birdied three in a row from the fifth before a stunning approach from almost 300 yards set up a closing eagle and a fearsome clubhouse target.
Alongside him, Patrick Cantlay shot a five-under 67 which was made to look humdrum by comparison, while Graeme McDowell birdied none of his first nine holes but five of his second in a 68.
Returning from a back injury which cost him the chance to defend his Arnold Palmer Invitational title last week, it was another tough day for Francesco Molinari, who sat outside the top 70, while Rickie Fowler and Patrick Reed also struggled.
