Making his fifth career start on the PGA Tour, the 30-year-old former Auburn player had four consecutive birdies early on his back nine on the El Camaleon course.
Augusta native Charles Howell, Greg Owen, Matt Every, John Huh, Marc Turnesa, Alejandro Canizares and Mark D. Anderson are tied for second.
Howell is already qualified for this year’s Masters Tournament.
The tournament is being played opposite the WGC Match Play Championship.
