Justin Thomas names shot he struggled with despite shooting four under on day one of the ZOZO Championship

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Justin Thomas is three shots back of the lead after a solid opening round on day one of the ZOZO Championship in Japan.

Thomas loves Accordia Narashino Country Club and carded five birdies and dropped just one shot during his first 18.

The two-time major winner is one of the biggest names in the field, alongside Xander Schauffele and 2023 ZOZO Championship winner Collin Morikawa.

Despite the positive start, however, Thomas admitted he struggled with his tee shots early in his round.

Justin Thomas shares thoughts after ZOZO Championship day one

• READ MORE: Justin Thomas states his aims for 2025 after impressive first day showing at the ZOZO Championship

Speaking during his post-round press duties, Thomas felt it was a solid opening 18.

“I played solid,” the 2022 PGA Championship winner said. “I felt like I took the opportunities when I had them, and I mean, the course is in such good shape where the fairways have a bit of run to them, and the greens are still soft, so if you miss fairways and greens in the right spot, you can get them up and down.”

The 31-year-old, however, revealed he had to iron out a few issues early on in his round.

“I feel like I struggled with a miss off the tee at the beginning but ironed that out pretty well. It wasn’t good, wasn’t bad, but it was nice to get it around in a good score.”

Justin Thomas shines as Xander Schauffele and Max Homa struggle

Several big names struggled during the open day’s play in Japan. Schauffele made a quadruple bogey eight and laboured his way to a three-over 73.

US Presidents Cup stars Sahith Theegala and Max Homa are also at the same number after returning to the course for the first time since the event at Royal Montreal.

Morikawa also endured an up-and-down day after carding a one-under 71. The American made an uncharacteristic seven on his front nine before bouncing back with four birdies.

Improvement will no doubt be needed from the US Presidents Cup quartet when Friday’s second round gets underway.