Canadian Graham DeLaet holds a two-shot lead after the first round of the Sony Open in Hawaii, while John Senden is leading the Australian contingent.
DeLaet, who missed most of last year because of a career-threatening back injury, shot two birdies to finish his seven-under 63 at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.
The 29-year-old is two shots clear of South Korean KJ Choi, Swede Carl Pettersson and American Kyle Reifers, while Senden is five strokes back after an opening round of 68.
Fellow Australians Nathan Green, Jarrod Lyle and Gavin Coles fired rounds of 69 to be tied for 45th, while compatriot Robert Allenby could only manage a 73.
DeLaet had surgery just over a year ago to address pain from a herniated disk, and said the injury had helped change his approach to the game.
"I'm just so excited to be back out (on the course). I had a good season my rookie campaign and then it was all basically just taken away," DeLaet said.
"And I realise now how fortunate we are to be playing golf for a living. My whole attitude is definitely better."
After an even-par first seven holes, DeLaet holed five birdies and an eagle to cap a fine opening round.
Pettersson went bogey-free, while veteran Choi's only blemish was on the 17th hole.
Reifers managed seven birdies, but bogeys on the sixth and 13th cost him what could have been an even better opening round.
Top-10 players Steve Stricker, who won the season-opening Tournament of Champions on Monday, and Webb Simpson, are two of 12 players at four-under.