Michael Kim seized the early lead at the FedEx Open de France with an eight-under 63, while defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick carded a six-under 65 to share second at Le Golf National.
Kim, who began on the back nine, produced four birdies among his first six holes and finished with eight in all, going bogey-free to take a two-shot advantage.
The American moved into the lead after birdies at the fifth and ninth holes, extending his advantage over Fitzpatrick and the rest of the field.
“Just a dream start,” Kim said. “All parts of my game were really good, especially my irons and my putting. I couldn’t have asked for a better start.”
Fitzpatrick enjoyed an equally impressive opening round, recording six birdies in his six-under 65 to join seven players tied for second.
Thriston Lawrence was one shot behind before a bogey on the final hole dropped him to six under. Kristoffer Reitan and Sam Bairstow were also two shots back.
Kristoffer Reitan is two strokes back after the opening day
Australian Jason Scrivener, Giorgio De Leo and Matteo Manassero completed the group tied second with Fitzpatrick, while Ryder Cup vice-captain Edoardo Molinar was three strokes back at five under.
“Really good day,” Fitzpatrick said. “Great start to the week and relatively stress-free, which is always nice – particularly around this golf course.”
Viktor Hovland and American Ryan Gerard were four shots back, while Tommy Fleetwood, a member of Europe’s 2018 Ryder Cup-winning team at this venue, opened with a two-under 69.
Manuel Elvira, who double-bogeyed the 72nd hole to miss victory at the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday, shot a nine-over 80 and sits second bottom.