Scottie Scheffler quickly put last week's putting frustrations behind him by opening the 3M Open with a superb six-under-par 65, leaving the world No. 1 firmly in contention after the opening round in Minnesota.
The four-time major champion sits three shots behind early leader Ben Kohles, who surged to the top of the leaderboard with a brilliant eagle on the final hole to sign for an eight-under 62.
Emiliano Grillo, Jackson Koivun and Gary Woodland share second place on seven under, with Scheffler among the chasing pack after a strong start at TPC Twin Cities.
Scheffler finds his touch on the greens
Fresh from a tied-fourth finish at last week's Open Championship, Scheffler made a swift return to PGA Tour action and began his round on the back nine.
He opened with birdies at the 12th and 18th before building momentum after the turn, picking up further shots on the first, fourth, sixth and seventh holes to complete a bogey-free round.
While he narrowly missed an eagle chance on the sixth and let another birdie opportunity slip on the 14th, Scheffler's putting was a significant improvement from his struggles in the United Kingdom.
He finished the day ranked second in the field for strokes gained putting.
"Fresh greens are a little bit easier than links greens," Scheffler said.
"Part of playing links golf is the ball's not going to roll true every single time.
"I felt like I was just on the wrong end of that last week.
"I got here and made sure I was lined up where I thought it was and made sure I was hitting it on that line and that was about it."
The American admitted it is difficult to predict when the putter will heat up.
Josh Berhow@Josh_BerhowBiggest gallery I’ve ever seen around one hole here. Bogey-free 65.
"Golf's funny. Some days you're hitting your lines and the line seems to be tracking toward the hole and other days it feels like you're doing the same thing and it kind of goes around the hole.
"But today was a day in which I was able to hole some nice putts and that's why I was able to make some birdies out there."
Kohles leads 3M Open as Smith battles back
Kohles heads into the second round with a one-shot advantage after capping his impressive opening round with an eagle at the last.
Elsewhere, England's Jordan Smith marked his return to the PGA Tour following a tied-18th finish at the Open Championship with a level-par 71.
Smith endured a difficult start, making a three-putt bogey at the fifth before recovering with a birdie on the sixth. His momentum was halted by a double bogey at the seventh after finding water off the tee.
The 33-year-old responded well on the inward nine, picking up birdies at the 13th and 17th to finish the day at even par.
