American golfer John Bradley Holmes carded eight-under-par 64, featuring seven birdies and an eagle, to take the lead on the opening day of the Hero World Challenge here.
After an opening bogey, Holmes played the remaining course nine under with seven birdies and an eagle at the par-fifth.
In the 18-man event, Japan's Hideki Matsuyama was at second with seven-under while US Open winner Dustin Johnson was at third spot with six-under here on Thursday.
Meanwhile, 14-time major champion Tiger Woods carded one-over-par 73 on his return to competitive golf.
Woods, who was out for 15 months, was nine shots behind Holmes, who was a member of the victorious US Ryder Cup team in September. He had four birdies in eight holes but he bogeyed the ninth after a wayward drive and poor chip.
The 40-year-old then played double bogeys on the 16th and 18th that left the World No.898 a stroke over par.
Swedish player Henrik Stenson, American Matt Kuchar and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen were tied for fourth on five-under.
--IANS
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