Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and American Ryan Moore have set the pace early in the opening round of the World Golf Championship’s Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club, putting up five-under rounds of 65 to lead the way.

They sit two shots clear of Italy’s Francesco Molinari and American Patrick Reed who entered the clubhouse after rounds of 67 in a tie for third.

Australian Matt Jones started his debut WGC event in sensational style with a birdie and an eagle to share the early lead but it was tougher going for the rest of the loop.

Five bogeys and just two more birdies left the New South Welshman settling for an even-par round of 70.

After hitting just four fairways and eight greens he headed to the range to iron out some kinks.

“It was nice to get off to that start so I had some shots in the tank because I hit it quite disgustingly but still managed to shoot even par,” Jones said.

“Everything needs to worked on, it was rather horrendous, but you probably have to expect that after a week off without touching a club.”

John Senden, the only other Australian in the morning wave, battled his way to a 74 with two costly double bogeys as he made the turn.

World No.1 Adam Scott, No.9 Jason Day plus Marc Leishman and Steven Bowditch are part of the afternoon wave, along with eight-time event champion Tiger Woods.

British Open champion and world No.2 Rory McIlroy started solidly to be two-under through 16 holes as he tries to unseat Scott at the top of the rankings.

The Northern Irishman needs to win and have the Australian finish outside the top five in the lucrative no-cut event.