World No.1 Jason Day remains motivated to put a gap between himself and the rest of the world after a fighting start to the lucrative World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational.
The Aussie fired a scrambling three-under-67 in the opening round at Firestone Country Club to be tied second, just three shots off the lead.
American William McGirt continued his love affair with Ohio, backing up from his win at the Memorial Tournament in nearby Columbus earlier this month with an impressive 64.
He takes a three-shot buffer to Friday over Day plus Argentina's Emiliano Grillo and American Jimmy Walker.
Day is chasing a third WGC title, although his two previous were both in match play.
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"I really want to get myself into contention Sunday and hopefully either have the lead Sunday or be around the lead," Day said.
"I'd really like to win another one of these because these are big events to win.
"If I can win this one it extends that lead from world No.1 to No.2, and that's what I'm most concerned about is just really trying to extend that lead."
World No.2 Jordan Spieth birdied his final four holes to shoot 68 and No.3 Dustin Johnson carded a 69 in his first start since winning the US Open.
Day provided more than a handful of loose shots in his round but defied odds with some clutch par saves to go with four birdies and just a lone bogey.
With no cut and just 61 players in the field, which has already been reduced to 59 with two withdrawals, Day sees the week as the perfect chance to claim his fourth win of the year.
"You can kind of pick one up here. Some guys are happy to be in the field and stuff like that, but if you just give it that extra little bit, you can kind of pick up a cheap one," Day said of his victory hopes.
"Obviously this (event) is not cheap, it's just you have less people to try and beat.
"I'm trying to stay mentally in it because you come here and there's no cut. You're guaranteed four days, and you could come and relax and just get your money and walk off, but I don't want to do that.
"If you can just really focus down and mentally prepare for that, I think you can definitely pick one up."
Adam Scott, playing with Day, was unable to take advantage of his chances and left with a 71, to be seven shots back.
The rest of the Australians struggled.
Marcus Fraser (73), Matt Jones (74), Marc Leishman (76), Nathan Holman (77) and Steven Bowditch (82) are already facing uphill battles.
