Jon Rahm shot an eight-under 63 to open up a two-stroke lead after day one in every of LIV Golf UK in Uttoxeter.
The previous world No 1 and two-time main winner is but to register a victory since swapping the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed circuit forward of the 2024 season.
Rahm completed tied for seventh ultimately week’s Open Championship at Royal Troon, ending the match on one beneath par after a three-under 68 in his closing spherical.
The Spaniard subsequently impressed in Staffordshire on Friday with eight birdies and no bogeys leaving him two photographs away from American Andy Ogletree and Mexico’s Abraham Ancer.
Former Open champion Cameron Smith and England’s Tyrrell Hatton are a shot additional again on 5 beneath, with Hatton firing seven birdies round a double bogey.
Get the very best costs and guide a spherical at one in every of 1,700 programs throughout the UK & Eire
5-time main winner Brooks Koepka is in a bunch of seven gamers at 4 beneath.
Advert content material | Stream Sky Sports activities on NOW
Stream Sky Sports activities stay with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW. Instantaneous entry to stay motion from soccer, darts, cricket, F1, tennis, golf, rugby league, rugby union and extra.