Stephen Gallacher carded a level par 72 in the opening round of the WGC – HSBC Champions event in China.
The 40-year-old’s round at Sheshan International included an eagle three at the second, a double bogey at the fourth, dropped shots at the fifth and 13th and birdies at 14 and 18.
Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell leads the field thanks to a five under par 67, while Rickie Fowler, Martin Kaymer and Brandt Snedeker are among a group of six players who are two shots behind.
Scotland’s other representative in the field, Marc Warren, had a disappointing day, finishing three over par after a 75.
First round leader McDowell said: “The course played fairly difficult today.
“The wind direction had switched completely from practice, some of the game plan had switched a little bit and some of the holes were playing pretty long.
“A big key to this golf course is driving the ball well and I drove it very well today. I think I missed only one fairway, which is very important.
“The greens are in fantastic shape and I actually putted very well.
“Seven under par through 12 holes was a beautiful start, and although I dropped a couple coming in, all in all I’m very, very pleased with five under par on what I thought was a reasonably tricky day.
“This is as tough off the tee as I think I’ve ever seen this golf course.”