Susanne Kemper at Kapalua reports – First round of the PGA Tour season nerves quickly evaporated in the breezy, sunny weather on a perfect Maui day to kick off the season with 15- foot waves breaking off shore for the 27 winners only field at Kapalua’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions.

Defending Champion Jonathan Byrd unleashed six consecutive birdies from the third hole to grab the lead with a six under par 67.

Steve Stricker kick starts his 2012 season with a four under par 68. (Photo - Suzanne Kemper)

One shot back is the Americans Steve Stricker, Webb Simpson and Michael Bradley along with Scotland’s Martin Laird.

“The front nine was fun,” said Byrd.

“Then an error with driver off the deck on nine into trouble, a duffed shot and made bogey. I played the same way I played last year, better on the front.”

World number six Stricker fired four birdies in the last five holes for his 68 in his fifth appearance here and remarked after his round:  “Repeat knowledge is huge going around with the trade winds, using the fairway slopes and the greens’ breaks.”

Simpson, the current World No. 10, had a great front nine (32), but only managed one birdie coming home to tie second (68).

Laird in his second invite at Kapalua climbed up the leader board with a sizzling back nine of 33.

Martin Laird sharing second place in his first event of 2012. (Photo - Susanne Kemper)

“My start of two over through three holes with this wind wasn’t what you want,” said the Colorado-based Scot.

“On the back I got it going leaving myself uphill putts; 12 feet below the hole is better than four above on these greens. I like the golf course. It’s a fun place to start the year.”

Laird plans to play the first third of the year in the U.S. returning to Europe for the PGA at Wentworth which will be part of his goal of qualifying hopefully for the European Ryder Cup side.

Bradley, a 46-year-old journeyman and who has played here the last three years, scored 68 setting the early clubhouse lead.

Those competing in Kapalua were again reminded of the dangers of Maui’s off course water hazards!

Lucas Glover, winner of the 2009 U.S. Open, and an experienced paddle boarder, sprained a ligament in his right knee paddle boarding over the weekend, forcing his withdrawl leaving only 27 in the field. 

Last year two-time former champion, Geoff Ogilvy of Australia was forced to withdraw after suffering a nasty coral cut while surfing.