Kim Min-kyu made a smooth start toward his first LIV Golf victory, placing among the leaders on the opening day of LIV Golf Mexico City, which carries a total purse of $30 million.
Kim carded a 4-under 67 in the first round held Thursday at Chapultepec Golf Club (par 71) in Mexico City, Mexico, tying for third place. His round included one eagle, five birdies and three bogeys.
Starting the tournament among the leaders, Kim brightened his prospects of cracking the top 10 for the first time this season. Competing on LIV Golf's "Korean Golf Club" alongside An Byeong-hun and Korean-born New Zealand player Danny Lee, Kim has yet to record a single top-10 finish this season.
His teammate Song Young-han also shot 4-under, joining Kim in a tie for third place.
Victor Perez of France surged ahead for the solo lead with a 9-under 62, while Jon Rahm of Spain sat in second place at 6-under 65.
Lee Tae-hoon of Canada shot 3-under to tie for 10th, while Tyrrell Hatton of England, who tied for third at last week's Masters major, finished the opening round at 2-under, tied for 15th.
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States, who won consecutive titles last month in Singapore and South Africa, was at even par, tied for 29th.
