Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat both failed to get the starts they had been hoping for in their bids for the men's golf top honours at the Rio Games on Thursday.
Ranked 43rd in the world, Thongchai had four birdies and three bogeys for a 70 at the par-71 Olympic Golf Course, while Kiradech was a stroke further down.
Australia's world No.90 Marcus Fraser carded a superb 63 on the opening day to move a stroke ahead of Sweden's Henrik Stenson of Sweden and Graham DeLaet of Canada.
Thailand's No.1 golfer Thongchai, who has eight European Tour titles under his belt, said he struggled a bit in the windy conditions but believed he would be able to manage it better in the next round.
"Playing in the afternoon, it was quite gusty and I miscalculated the wind strength and distance often," said Thongchai, who played in the same group as Stenson, winner of the British Open.
He added: "I drove the ball quite well, but it sometimes landed in wrong places. I should have done better on some greens."
Despite trailing Fraser by seven shots, Thongchai insisted that he wasn't too far off the pace.
"I am seven strokes behind the leader, but it is not a problem because there are three more days to go.
"I am feeling really happy representing my country and it is great to see golf being played in the Olympics again."
Kiradech was disappointed with his round and blamed his poor putting for the lacklustre start.
"My putting was below my normal standard. I three-putted four holes," said Kiradech, who saved the day with birdies on the last three holes.
"Normally, I putt much better. The strong winds also played a part, but I had some good shots, too."
Kiradech admitted that it would be difficult for him to catch the leader.
