Former US Open winner Geoff Ogilvy says a less is more approach to 2015 should help him return to his best form, especially in the big events.
Ogilvy shot a three-under 68 in the opening round of the US PGA tour Northern Trust Open at the historic Riviera Country Club, his career equal best start, to be just two off the lead and tied in eighth place.
Six players share the lead at five-under-66, including a couple of veterans - three-time major winner Vijay Singh and two-time major winner Retief Goosen.
Americans Nick Watney, Daniel Summerhays, James Hahn and Derek Fathauer join them on top of the leaderboard.
Riviera is one of the most iconic golf courses in America and Ogilvy doesn't hide his affection for the layout.
But despite that, the Victorian has never finished better that a tie for 19th from his 11 attempts there.
He hopes coming in fresh this year will be a catalyst to better things.
This start represents just his fourth of the year and comes after a fortnight's break.
"I am playing a light schedule at this point because I don't want to get to June and be over it," Ogilvy admits.
"I want to get to the Masters ready to go and then still be fresh through the final three majors and the FedEx Cup.
"It's to maximise my chances of playing really well in the big tournaments. I'm older now and less is more, plenty of guys have made a career out of doing it this way."
Ogilvy opened his round with an eagle and closed his front nine with a birdie before trading one bogey and birdie on the back nine.
"It is a difficult day if you don't get off to a good start so it was pleasing to start well," he said.
"I feel like I'm playing well but we still have a long way to go."
Matt Jones, who finished seventh last week at Pebble Beach, was riding his momentum at four-under through 16 holes before finishing with a double bogey and a bogey to shoot 70.
The remaining Australians are struggling, with John Senden the next best after a 73.
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