Jordan Spieth cut a frustrated figure after the first round of The CJ Cup Byron Nelson and TPC Craig Ranch.
Englishman Matt Wallace leads the way on eight-under-par after shooting a bogey-free 63 on Thursday.
Another notable storyline saw 16-year-old sensation Kris Kim shoot a three-under 68 in his first PGA Tour outing.
Three-time major winner Spieth is also on three under and faces a battle to make it through to the weekend.
Missing the cut in a hometown event would be disastrous for the American, and another under-par round will be required to prevent that scenario from unfolding.
Jordan Spieth really frustrated by one thing he did during day one of the Byron Nelson
Speaking after his round, Spieth was particularly disappointed with how he performed on the par fives.
One over on the three longer holes is not good enough, something Spieth accepted in his post-round chat with the media.
He said: “It started really nicely, then stalled. I snuck one on four, thought I’d maybe grab one on three, and then playing one-over five in is a bummer; you’re looking to play those holes a couple under.
“It’s a very gettable golf course. It’s obviously very wet. I just played the easy holes poorly. I played the par fives one over, and that’s kind of the story of the day. Par fives, you need to be two-and-a-half-under out here each day, and somehow, I’m going to have to make that back up.”
Jordan Spieth needs to deliver ahead of the PGA Championship at Valhalla
With Scottie Scheffler clearly dominating at present, it could take one of the game’s former elite to compete with the two-time Masters champion.
Spieth, no doubt, is a player capable of competing with Scheffler. When he’s at his brilliant best, there are very few in the world who can grind out birdies and eagles the way Spieth can.
It’s essential someone of Spieth’s ilk steps up as we head toward the midway point in the season. Of course, watching Scheffler play golf is a joy in itself, but competition is required to grow interest in the game.
With LIV Golf also present, intrigue and excitement are needed on the PGA Tour; the same guy winning easily week one week doesn’t provide that.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
