Michelle Wie rolled in several clutch putts to take a one-stroke clubhouse lead after round one at the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore.
The 27-year-old Wie, who has struggled with injuries and form since winning the U.S. Open in 2014, shot a 6-under 66 at the new Tanjong course at Sentosa Golf Club.
Five players - world No.2 Ariya Jutanugarn, world No. 10 Brooke Henderson, Inbee Park, Mo Martin and Anna Nordqvist - were tied for second after early 67s.
Australia's top ranked female golfer Minjee Lee shot a 3-under 69 to be among the group in 12th, along with New Zealand's world No.1 Lydia Ko.
Three other Australians in the field failed to break par with Sarah Jane Smith at 2-over, Karrie Webb 3-over and Suh Oh 4-over.
Wie has managed just one top-10 finish since 2014 and only got into the $1.5 million LPGA tournament on a sponsor's invitation after her ranking slumped to No. 179.
But she was in vintage touch with eight birdies, despite playing in tricky winds and light rain.
"It feels good to play without much pain. To go out there and just play some golf and focus on my game rather than trying to finish out rounds," Wie said.
"It's always exciting to be on the top of the leaderboard, or near the top of the leaderboard."
