Australia's Steven Bowditch posted an impressive four-under-par 69 to place himself in contention on day one of the PGA's Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Hawaii.
The Novocastrian's blemish-free opening round included four birdies, but the day belonged to American Patrick Reed who broke away from a crowded leaderboard with a barnstorming run.
Reed shot birdies on the 13th, 14th, 15th and 17th before closing with an eagle on the 18th to register an impressive eight-under 65, one shot clear of compatriot Jordan Spieth.
Like Reed, the world No.1 shot a bogey-free round and his seven birdies were enough to leave him in outright second.
One shot further back in third position are Brandt Snedeker, JB Holmes and New Zealand's Danny Lee.
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World No.2 Jason Day shot a three-under 70 to be tied for 12th, in the $US5.9 million ($A8.43 million) tournament restricted to players who have won PGA Tour events during 2015.
Day was unlucky on the last when his makeable birdie putt lipped out of the hole on the left side and he had to settle for par.
