Meanwhile, Noren and Simpson, who combined for 10 birdies and two bogeys, shared the lead with matching four-under 66s. For Noren, he continues his strong start to a season that’s included a T-2 at the Farmers Insurance Open and a T-16 last week at the Genesis Open. The nine-time European Tour winner from Sweden is still in the process of playing more on American soil, but it’s obvious he’s getting used to it.

“I spend the winters like 15 minutes down the road from this place and it’s got the same grass at The Bear’s Club,” Noren said. “So I’m used to the bermuda. We play a lot more in Europe and the Middle East and Asia where they have bermuda, but we’re used to this. I almost like these greens more. They are very true, but it’s very tough when it’s this windy, and they are very firm.”

Simpson’s strong round comes seven years since he last appeared at the Honda Classic, making it all the more impressive. That was just his third appearance in the event in 2011, and the only time he made the cut, finishing T-24.

“Definitely excited to get a good round under my belt. I came here a couple years ago but had to withdraw for an injury. So it’s nice to be healthy. Anything under par any day out here is really good,” said Simpson.

Also one back at three under are Morgan Hoffmann and Daniel Berger, who, like Thomas, live in Jupiter.

Tiger Woods is four back after an even par 70 that he was “very pleased” with, considering it could have been an under par round if not for an ugly double-bogey 7 at the par-5 third hole. The 14-time major champion remains in the mix in an event he’s had some past success in but has never won.