Adam Scott is the best-placed of nine Australians after the opening round of the Wells Fargo Championship.
Scott, playing his first tournament since a ninth-place finish in last month's US Masters, carded a one-under-par 71 at Eagle Point in Wilmington, North Carolina.
He is in a tie for 31st, five shots behind early leader Italy's Francesco Molinari.
Birdies on the ninth, 14th and 16th holes highlighted Scott's round before bogeys on the 15th and 17th kept his momentum in check.
Recently-turned professional Curtis Luck and tournament invitee Matt Jones are the next-best Australians at even-par.
World No.1 Dustin Johnson declared himself ready to challenge for victory after a tidy return to competition left him four strokes behind Molinari.
Twenty-nine days after slipping down stairs and badly bruising his back on the eve of the US Masters, Johnson reported no ill-effects after his morning round.
He carded a two-under-par 70, while Molinari chipped-in twice to lead on 66, one stroke ahead of four players including Swede Alex Noren.
"I felt good physically, no issues," Johnson told reporters.
"I just need to get some more rounds in, get some more reps, but I feel like the golf swing's in good shape.
"I hit the ball great. If I hit it like I did today (over) the next few days, I'll be right there on Sunday."
Many players approached the first round apprehensively on a course few had played before this week, but low scores were plentiful after the greens were watered overnight, allowing for attacking approach shots.
"It's a great track, not the longest, but especially in the breeze, you need to hit the ball in the right spot on the greens," said leader Molinari.
"Just a good, solid round. I hit a lot of good shots, gave myself a lot of chances. I missed some makeable ones but made a couple from off the green, so great day."
His first hole-out came at the fifth, from 25 yards, while he also chipped in from 25 feet at the last.
Molinari is seeking his first US PGA Tour victory, after winning four times on the European Tour.
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