"I'm feeling pretty confident about my game right now," said the Thai player, who finished tied third at last year's tournament.
Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit fired a bogey-free, five-under-par 67 to take the lead after the first round of the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore on Thursday.
The 22-year-old carded three birdies on holes three, seven, nine for an outward 33 before adding another pair of birdies on the 13th and 16th holes.
She holds a one-shot advantage over Danielle Kang of the United States, South Korea's Kim A-lim and two-time tournament champion Park In-bee.
It was a further boost for Patty after a stellar 2021, which saw her named LPGA rookie of the year and also capture her maiden major championship.
"I played very solid today, and I would give myself seven out of 10 for my ball striking. It's a fresh year, and I'm looking forward to what's to come."
Kang could have headed into the second round with a share of the lead with Patty but made a costly mistake at the last, dropping a shot.
"The finish was very frustrating," said Kang, who carded three bogeys in her last four closing holes.
"I just misjudged the wind and the lie. Towards the end, I really couldn't focus. It was just that I don't know what I was doing out there sometimes."
World number one Ko Jin-young of South Korea meanwhile signed for a 69 for a share of fifth place, while compatriot and defending champion Kim Hyo-joo posted a 72 to trail five shots off the lead in tied 37th place.
In a lighter moment during the day's play, South Korea's Park looked startled when she spotted a large monitor lizard -- a common sight in tropical Singapore -- on the course at the Sentosa Golf Club.