Webb Simpson surged into contention thanks to a red-hot putter in the frost-delayed opening round of the Phoenix Open.
Simpson, the highest-ranked player in the field at No 6 in the world, sank several putts from between 12 and 15 feet on the way to a six-under-par 65 in relatively calm conditions at the TPC Scottsdale.
The 26-year-old mixed seven birdies with a lone bogey to finish one shot behind Ryan Palmer, who snatched the outright lead late in the day before play was suspended in fading light.
Americans Derek Lamely, Kevin Na, Chez Reavie and Harrison Frazar, and Australian Jarrod Lyle, carded 66s while South African Trevor Immelman, the 2008 Masters champion, opened with a 67.
Palmer parred the final hole just minutes before play was halted.
"Probably about my last three or four holes, you could tell it was getting closer and closer so I was trying not to worry about it," Palmer said.
"I knew I was going to be here in the morning for the second round, so I wasn't worried about if we had to come back and restart. So I didn't think about it and I just kept hitting shots and sticking to my game plan.
"The last putt was a little dark I can say, but I’m glad to be done, and now I can get going in tomorrow's routine. Instead of getting ready for one hole, I can get ready for the whole day. It’s going to be a nice night."
Frost had delayed the scheduled tournament start by an hour and 42 players will have to complete the first round on Friday morning when temperatures are forecast to dip even lower.
American world No 9 Dustin Johnson and compatriot Keegan Bradley, winner of last year's PGA Championship, also started out with 68s.
It was not a day to remember, though, for former world No 1 Vijay Singh, who carded a 76, and 2009 British Open champion Stewart Cink, who battled to an 83.
