Cameron Smith produced a flawless eight-under-par 64 to take a one-stroke lead over a top-quality field after the opening round of the $US7million ($A9.0 million) US PGA event in Kuala Lumpur.
Smith, who won his first PGA title at the Zurich Classic team event in May, picked up five shots on the way out and three more over the last five holes to stand a shot clear of Thai Poom Saksansin and Americans Xander Schauffele and Keegan Bradley.
The Australian is no stranger to playing in Asia and said his familiarity with Malaysia paid dividends.
"Course is great, it's really hot here. Just tried to keep the hydration up, drunk as much water as I possibly could," Smith said.
"The plan from there was really simple: just hit some fairways and (be) really aggressive into the greens and yeah, my ball-striking was really good today.
"I've obviously played quite a bit in Asia so I feel like it's just back to what it was a few years ago.
"It's pretty easy for me to read the greens and get some putts rolling."
World No.4 Justin Thomas, who has won the tournament for the past two years with a combined score of 49-under, left himself with some work to do in his quest for a "three-peat" after posting a two-under 70.
Smith is one of three Australians playing in Malaysia, with Rod Pampling tied for 44th after shooting an even-par 72 and Scott Hend tied for 77th following a five-over-par 77.
Schauffele, who edged Thomas by a stroke to win the Tour Championship in Atlanta last month, never looked back after opening with a birdie and then chipping-in from off the green for another at his third hole.
"It was boring, which I guess is a good thing out here," he said.
"I hit a lot of fairways, kind of made an easy day out of it. I tried to copy everything (Justin) did as I figured he's a good guy to imitate out here."
PGA Championship title-holder Thomas also picked up shots in two of his first three holes but his round never really got going despite the birdie-friendly conditions.
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