Reuters - Ireland's Peter Lawrie set the early target in the clubhouse with a four under par 68 in the BMW Championship 2006 - the Players' Flagship first round.
The 32 year old from Dublin was one stroke ahead of World Number Six Ernie Els and Ian Poulter, Jamie Donaldson and John Wells.
A further four players were out on the course at three under, title holder Angel Cabrera of Argentina and the English trio of David Howell, Kenneth Ferrie and Graeme Storm.
Lawrie made a flying start to The European Tour's flagship event, birdying the second, fourth and fifth holes at the remodelled West Course at Wentworth Club.
The 2003 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year dropped his only stroke of the day when he took three putts at the par four seventh before hitting back with birdies at the 12th and 18th. Due to the recent heavy rainfall, preferred lies are being used in the first two rounds. The third, sixth and 18th have also been temporarily shortened.
Lawrie said the course, which has been modified under the guidance of South African Els, was playing exceptionally long.
"I have worn out my three, four and five irons," he said. "There are no short irons (into the greens) at this golf course any more."
Lawrie, whose best performance of the season so far was a sixth place finish at the Volvo China Open in November, was pleased with his all-round game.
"I feel very relaxed," he said. "I swung the club really well and gave myself lots of chances.
"Normally you come here and you don't need to use the driver that much but, at the moment, the way the golf course is set up, you need to hit driver everywhere."
