The 21-year-old Korean-born Kiwi, who is playing in his first full season on the PGA Tour, made six birdies and three bogeys to be four shots back from American trio Stewart Cink, Webb Simpson and Ryan Moore, who carded rounds of seven under 65.
Currently 149th on the Fed Ex Cup standings, Lee has made the cut in six out of 10 events in 2012 with his best finish a tie for 25th at the AT&T Pebble Beach national pro-am.
Fourteen-time major champion Tiger Woods made his first appearance since The Masters as part of a strong field, opening with a one under par 71 to be tied 56th.
Meanwhile, Manawatu professional Tim Wilkinson has made a solid start to the Stadion Classic on the Nationwide Tour, opening with a three under par 68 and the University of Georgia Golf Club.
The left-handed professional, who is currently 40th on the Nationwide Tour order of merit, bounced back from missing the cut in his previous two events to be tied 18th after round one. The former PGA Tour player has made the cut in four out of seven tournaments in 2012.
Hamilton professional Steven Alker, who is in 46th place on the order of merit, has carded a one under par 70 to be tied 52nd.
In Spain, Michael Campbell shot a three over par 75 in round one of the Spanish Open to be tied 81st, leaving himself in another fight to make the weekend.
The 2005 US Open champion, who has made one cut from six events in 2012, birdied two of the final three holes to get to eight shots back from the overnight leader American Shaun Micheel.
The eight-time winner on the European Tour is currently 243rd on the Race to Dubai standings.
