Matthew Wolff opened with a record-tying 10-under 61 to secure a two-shot lead after day one of the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba.

The 22-year-old Californian finished his first day at the El Camaleon course with an immaculate scorecard comprised of eight pars and 10 birdies – five per side – en route to the day’s low round.

Afterwards, Wolff cited confidence and comfort with his game.

“Yeah, I feel like I really did,” said Wolff, when asked if he played as good as he scored. “The putts definitely dropped and I had a lot of short makeable putts that I think when you shoot 10 under, you kind of have to make all them and those are the ones that I did make.

“I was hitting the ball really good all day and, like I said, I was just comfortable out there with my setup.

“When I was over every shot, I was committed and confident in the club that I had and I really just stuck to my game plan. I only hit one driver all day and that was on 13. Even 7 and even 5, both par 5s on the front, I hit 3-wood on and just really felt like that’s what fit the hole best for me.

“I feel like out here the biggest thing is just keeping the ball in play, and at the end of the day that’s exactly what I did, so I was really pleased with it.”

Two off the pace was Aaron Wise, who carded a 63, which included one bogey against an eagle and seven birdies.

“I just feel like I have pretty good vibes around here,” said Wise, who finished runner-up here last year. “Every now and again you find those courses where you just come and you’re comfortable the moment you’re on the grounds and this is one of those for me.

“I feel like I make my fair share of putts around here, I hit good iron shots and I get a lot of wedge opportunities, which is really good.

“At the end of the day you’ve still got to play good golf, but just coming here, I just feel happy, I feel good vibes and I feel like that translates into the golf.”

Sergio Garcia, Billy Horschel, Talor Gooch and Chris Kirk were tied for third on 7-under 64.

Tournament headliner Justin Thomas was 3-over par through 11 holes but closed with six birdies, including five straight, over his final seven holes to sign for a 3-under 68.

“I should be – and I will be – more pleased with the turnaround, but at the moment I’ve got to figure out how to just get off to a little bit better start,” said Thomas.

2021 World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba

Leaderboard: Top 10

Pos-Player-To Par-(Score)
1. Matthew Wolff -10 (61)
2. Aaron Wise -8 (63)
3. Sergio Garcia -7 (64)
3. Billy Horschel -7 (64)
3. Talor Gooch -7 (64)
3. Chris Kirk -7 (64)
7. Russell Henley -6 (65)
7. Bill Haas -6 (65)
7. Joel Dahmen -6 (65)
7. J.J. Spaun -6 (65)

Notables

11. Rickie Fowler -5 (66)
11. Ian Poulter -5 (66)
20. Viktor Hovland -4 (67)
20. Gary Woodland -4 (67)
20. Scottie Scheffler -4 (67)
20. Tony Finau -4 (67)
20. Justin Rose -4 (67)
36. Matt Fitzpatrick -3 (68)
36. Abraham Ancer -3 (68)
36. Justin Thomas -3 (68)
57. Joaquin Niemann -2 (69)
78. Tyrrell Hatton -1 (70)
92. Will Zalatoris E (71)
92. Brooks Koepka E (71)
92. Shane Lowry E (71)
112. Patrick Reed +2 (73)