"I would have been trying to hit it short of the bunkers and then chip on," Pampling said. "It's fantastic. It gives you a chance. But you can get a flier lie and go long, and then you're in trouble. Ryuji Imada was about where I was in the rough and he went over the bunker. He did well to make bogey."
Defending champion K.J. Choi was among 34 players who shot in the 60s. Choi had a 68, while the group at 69 included Hunter Mahan.
Fred Couples, who took over Woods' duties as host on Wednesday during opening ceremonies, shot a 71.
Another big improvement were the greens, which were criticized last year as too bumpy. They became crusty in the late afternoon, when temperatures climbed into the lower 90s, but there were few complaints.
"If the greens stay this smooth, I think everyone is going to enjoy the course," Kim said.
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