Chez Revie overcame cool, windy conditions for a 4-under 68 and a one-stroke lead after the first round of the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges on Thursday.
Danny Willett and Si Woo Kim shot 69s while the large group at 70 and tied for fourth included Ian Poulter, Nick Watney and Michael Kim.
Brooks Koepka, playing in his first tournament since being voted PGA Tour player of the year, shot 71 and was in a group three strokes behind and tied for 11th which included Paul Casey and Hideki Matsuyama.
Marc Leishman of Australia poses with his trophy after winning the CIMB Classic golf tournament at Tournament Players Club (TPC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018. (AP PhotoVincent Phoon)
Defending champion Justin Thomas shot 73, as did Jason Day, while fellow Australians Marc Leishman, who won last week's CIMB Classic in Malaysia, and Adam Scott had 75s.
The second of three PGA Tour events in three weeks in Asia has a 78-player field and no cut. Only 19 players broke par on Thursday.
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Marc Leishman of Australia celebrates with his caddie after winning the CIMB Classic golf tournament at Tournament Players Club (TPC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018. (AP PhotoVincent Phoon)