South Carolina, Apr 22 (IANS): Arjun Atwal was one shot behind the leader Garrett Willis of the United States at the end of the opening round of the Heritage International golf on the US PGA Tour.

Play ended early due to poor light Thursday as 18 players were unable to finish before dark.

Willis had six straight birdies in first six holes but found two bogeys before picking another three birdies for a seven-under 64.

Atwal missed just one fairway and needed 26 putts as he shared the second place with Matt Bettencourt, Chad Campbell and Tim Herron.

"It was a lot of fun. The conditions were perfect. There wasn't much wind when we started and it didn't pick up very much at all. I hit a lot of birdies and had a lot of chances," said Atwal.

Atwal added, "I struggled in the last few weeks. I've struggled off the tees, but my irons and my short game has been pretty good. I had a lesson with my coach, Dale Lynch and it worked."

Luke Donald, who can move from No.3 to No.1 in the Official World Golf Ranking with a win this week, was among four players at 67. Jim Furyk and reigning U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell were at 68.