Simpson leads RSM Classic after 7-under 65 in Round 1

Webb Simpson fired a 7-under 65 in Round 1 of the RSM Classic to take a one-shot lead at the final PGA Tour stop of the calendar year.

Simpson entered as the betting favorite to win this week in Georgia and lived up to expectations on Thursday. The 34-year-old played his final 13 holes of Sea Island Resort's Plantation Course at 8-under, which included birdies on his last three.

Cameron Tringale and Kyoung-Hoon Lee each fired 6-under 64s at the Seaside Course, while Australian Rhein Gibson is also at 6-under after playing the easier Plantation Course.

Here's how the top of the leaderboard looks after Round 1:

(PL - Plantation Course, SS - Seaside Course)

Brendon Todd began his quest to win three straight PGA Tour events with a 4-under 66. He won the Mayakoba Classic and the Bermuda Championship in his last two starts.

Notables Matt Kuchar (even) and Billy Horschel (2-over) struggled during Thursday's action.

The Plantation Course played nearly a full stroke easier than the Seaside Course in Round 1. Golfers will switch for Friday's round before heading to the Seaside Course for the weekend.