Brendan Steele, who finished second last year, closed with four back-to-back birdies for a 6-under 64 on Thursday to take a one shot lead in the ZOZO Championship.

A strong start for @Brendan_Steele 💪

He jumps out front early @ZOZOCHAMP. pic.twitter.com/V6MwySi5jx

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 13, 2022

"I drove it really well today and then I was able to hit some irons really close, too, so that was nice. Gave myself some chances. The rough is pretty nasty and especially being wet, so if you drive it in the rough, you get in trouble. Obviously there's a lot of really tight shots with the trees, so if you drive it well, you can give yourself a chance at least to hit it close."

That's one way to make a birdie ...

A slam dunk for @Brendan_Steele to tie the lead. pic.twitter.com/HlVKuXHgZ9

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 13, 2022

The Japanese event has no crowd limitations due to Covid-19 restrictions this year.

“I love it here. Loved the course last year, really happy to be back," said Steele. "Nice for us to be able to get out of the hotel a little bit this year, too, and enjoy the culture a little, so I've enjoyed it a ton."

Fellow Americans Sam Ryder, Matthew NeSmith and Keegan Bradley are tied in second place at 5-under with three more, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele and Maverick McNealy, in fifth at 3-under.