Matt Fitzpatrick felt he got his strategy right after claiming a share of the first round lead at the WGC - Workday Championship at The Concession 2021.
The 26-year-old from England carded a six under par 66 in Florida to share the lead with American Webb Simpson.
The DP World Tour Championship, Dubai winner finished in a tie for fifth on the US PGA Tour last week and continued his good form with a flawless round that contained six birdies.
“It was a good day today, obviously played well last week as well,” said Fitzpatrick. “The golf course is in unbelievable shape, the greens are running about 12 on the stimp so that's great for me. I love it when its like that.
“It makes you think this golf course; you've got to think about where you're hitting your tee shots and your approach shots and you've got to be on the ball.
“I played with Xander (Schauffele) and Adam Scott today and on five - I can get close to the bunkers but I'm not going to get in it - but all of a sudden those guys have got to think about it and they cant just bomb driver. So it played into my hands that I can play my normal game.”
Starting on the back nine, Fitzpatrick birdied his opening hole after a fine approach to five feet and made further close-range gains at the 14th, 15th and 18th.
A nine-foot effort on the fourth gave him a share of the lead and the Ryder Cup star took over at the top of the leaderboard with a 37 foot effort two holes later.
“There's plenty of break on plenty of putts so you've got to keep your eye on the grain and they are lightning quick so its a great golf course,” he added.
Former U.S. Open winner Simpson carded seven birdies against a single bogey to join Fitzpatrick in a share of the lead, with Spain's Sergio Garcia and American trio Billy Horschel, Kevin Kisner and Brooks Koepka sharing third place on five under.
Defending champion Patrick Reed and Spain's Jon Rahm were among those on four under, while Rory McIlroy carded an opening 69 as he looks to become the second player after Dustin Johnson to win all four WGC titles.
