Dru Love matches dad Davis all the way at Sea Island

Father and son, Davis and Dru Love, both shot even-par 70 in the first round of the RSM Classic in Georgia (Picture: Bill Cooney/PGA Tour).

The 21-year-old amateur, who birdied the first hole at Sea Island GC - as did his father - , said: "I think that was really important for me. It got me settled down fast.

"If I'd have made bogey on the first hole, I'd have been pushing there, but it was a good start."

His father added: "I caught myself watching him play because I was nervous for him and hoping he'd play well.

"(Dru) hit it first into the green and hit it close, then I hit it closer than him. He made it; then I was like - 'oh boy.' I had to make it."

The pair both opened with an even-par 70 as Kevin Kisner set the early pace.

The 31-year-old from South Carolina opened with an impressive 65 enabling him to establish a one-shot lead over Jeff Overton, David Hearn and Tom Hoge.

Kisner, who finished fourth in this event last year, eagled the penultimate hole and was satisfied with the way he started this year's tournament.

He said: "It was solid. I drove the ball great and had a lot of chances for birdie."

Further down the field, Graeme McDowell was the best placed Briton as he sought to claim back-to-back titles for the second time in his career.

The Northern Irishman, who won the OHL Classic last week, opened with a three-under-par round - three better than England's Brian Davis.

Two courses are featuring in the event for the first time in its six-year history, with Sea Island's Plantation Course joining the Seaside Course.