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In-form Australian Cam Davis has made a solid start in the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic where he shot a four-under 67 in the opening round.

After only just experiencing the thrill of a maiden PGA Tour victory, Cam Davis didn't quite know what to expect in the opening round of the John Deere Classic.

As it proved, the in-form Australian had little reason to be nervous after posting a four-under 67 to be four behind first-round leaders Sebastian Munoz and Chesson Hadley.

It was a solid start from the 26-year-old, who held his nerve to beat Troy Merritt and Joaquin Niemann in a playoff at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

"I had no expectations for today really," said Davis. "I wasn't sure if I was going to keep playing well or if there was going to be a bit of a lull after all that, but I'm very happy to keep it going."

Beginning on the back nine on TPC Deere Run, Davis made birdies on the 13th, 14th and 17th.

He made another birdie on the first before an eagle on the par-five second catapulted him up the leaderboard. But a bogey on five and then on his closing hole dropped him into a tie for 12th.

"I played really well today," said Davis. "First 11 holes were pretty much just cruising around like I was last week.

"I was hitting my driver really well. I was putting really well. It was a really solid round of golf. It was a little scratchy towards the end ... but pleased with a good solid first round."

Just a week out from the British Open, Davis is in the form of his life.

But the Sydneysider, now living with his American wife in Seattle, had to turn down the spot vacated by Kevin Na for the season's final major.

"I got married last year in September and decided to start the green card process to make travelling in and out of the country so much easier," said Davis.

"Unfortunately six months I'm not going to be able to leave the States while that's getting processed. That means I'm not able to go next week.

"I'm looking forward to seeing my family and celebrating back in Seattle next week and recharging a little bit because this week is already a bit of a grind to get through. I'm pretty tired. It'll be nice to relax."

Davis is joined in the field by five Australians - Rhein Gibson, Greg Chalmers, Cameron Percy, Aaron Baddeley and John Senden.

Gibson and Chalmers opened with 69s, while Percy was a shot further back.

Baddeley (72) and Senden (74) have their work cut out in the second round to make the weekend.