Lu Wei-Chih, who underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor just 36 months ago, fired an opening-round 64 to tie for the lead at the UBS Hong Kong Open.
Italy’s Andrea Pavan is his co-leader, and the two are a stroke ahead of former Major winner Justin Rose, who enjoyed a bogey-free round and nailed four birdies in his final six holes.
Both Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter are two strokes back after firing 67s. Poulter was a late entry to the tournament, landing late Wednesday night after a 15-hour flight from his home in Florida.
The tournament, the last before the Final Series begins, is being held at the par-70, 6,699-yard Hong Kong Golf Course.