Sergio Garcia shoots six-under 65 on day one of Northern Trust Open at Riviera

Sergio Garcia: Seven birdies and just a single bogey in his opening round

Sergio Garcia said his liking for Riviera helped him make such a strong start in the Northern Trust Open.

The Spaniard, playing in his first event on U.S. soil this season, carded a six-under 65 to finish the opening round in solo second place - just a shot behind leader Matt Kuchar.

Asked about the key to his impressive start, Garcia said: "Well, I like the course to start with. That's always something quite important. So I guess that helps a lot.

"It's the kind of golf course that if you play well, you can shoot a decent score, but if you are not on, you can struggle quite a bit. Those are the kind of courses that I enjoy playing.

"It's the kind of golf course that if you play well, you can shoot a decent score, but if you are not on, you can struggle quite a bit."
Garcia on Riviera

"I guess the tougher the course, the more you can rely on your long game, even though my short game is still working pretty good."

Garcia still feels he needs to drive the ball better if he is to contend for the title this week.

"I feel more comfortable with my irons than I feel with my driver," said the Ryder Cup star.

"It doesn't mean that I'm driving the ball badly. But I'm not quite as confident with it.

"Overall I managed to hit some nice chips and hit some nice putts here and there. So very pleased with the round overall."