Back-to-back birdies on his opening two holes see him top the embryonic leaderboard on 2-under par.
Shane Lowry is in a group with Kevin Streelman and Retief Goosen that goes out at around ten-to-8.
Graeme McDowell will commence his round half an hour later, while 2011-winner Darren Clarke starts from 9.22.
Padraig Harrington is the only Irish player among the afternoon starters today at 12:39.
The favourite – Masters and U-S Open champion – Jordan Spieth goes out at 9.33 along with Dustin Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama.
