Jyoti Randhawa trailed world No 1 Tiger Woods by three strokes after carding a brilliant opening round of five-under 66 at the WGC American Express Championship golf on Thursday.
Randhawa landed an eagle on his way to a tied-sixth place in one of the most star-studded fields for the 7.5-million-dollar event at the Dunhill golf links.
Woods, the defending champion, had a sensational eight-under 63 with an eagle on the closing hole, seven other birdies and just one bogey, preceding the eagle.
Randhawa, who finished fifth at this tournament in 2002, the year he was Asia No.1, shot an eagle, four birdies and just one bogey in his fine round.
Irishman Padraig Harrington and England's Ian Poulter lie in second place at 64 each, while South African star Ernie Els and Stewart Cink of the US share fourth place at 65 each.
Randhawa, who has five Asian Tour titles and one on Japan Tour, started on the 10th tee on the first day.
He flew high with an eagle at the par five 15th hole and followed that up with a birdie at the next. Randhawa, who has four top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour this season, dropped his only shot of the day at the 17th hole before firing three more birdies on the inward nine.