Forgotten man Steve Elkington issued a reminder he was not quite ready for golf's retirement home when he carded a five-under-par 65 in the first round at the AT&T National overnight.
Elkington, who won the US PGA Championship 14 long years ago, heads the Australian contingent, three strokes behind leader Anthony Kim.
American Kim carded a course record 62 for a two-shot edge over fellow Americans Tiger Woods, DA Points and Bryce Molder.
Stuart Appleby also showed signs of life with a promising 66, while Rod Pampling on 67 was the only other Australian to break par.
"I've had good rounds this year but I've followed them up with bad ones," said 46-year-old Elkington, who has not posted a top-50 finish all year, which explains his world ranking of 300.
"It's been a really up-and-down year, which is odd, because I've never really experienced that kind of golf before.
"Usually I play consistently once I get going but this year has been different.
"But I've been able to fight through it pretty good and today was a good step in the right direction.
"It was probably my best ball-striking round this year. I basically hit all the greens, kept it out of the rough and away from all the trouble."
Pampling was also satisfied with his score after sinking a two-metre birdie at his final hole, the par-five ninth.
"It's nice to hit it good and finish off with a birdie," said Pampling, who believes he has been playing better than his recent lacklustre results have indicated.
"The form's good but I just haven't been putting everything together. It's a matter of staying patient and letting things happen.
"The numbers just aren't coming in at the end of the day, for whatever reason.
"Eventually it's got to turn around. At least that's what everyone tells me."
Kim, 24, took the golf world by storm last year, twice winning on the US PGA Tour and finishing 10th on the money list.
This year, however, he has struggled with injuries, most recently a dislocated thumb, and he currently is a middling 45th on the money list.
"Just because I shot 62 doesn't take away that bitter taste in my mouth when I'm not contending," Kim said.
"It's awful when you finish 20th or 30th or 50th. I've been lucky to finish 50th a couple of times this year."
"I'm building right now for the rest of the year and it would be great to knock one off and play four great rounds, but my goals are to win major tournaments and be prepared to play in those."
WASHINGTON AAP
