Seamus Power two off the lead at Sanderson Farms Championship

Ireland’s Seamus Power posted a four-under 68 to get within two shots of the early lead at the Sanderson Farms Championship.

Power mixed five birdies with a sole blemish at Country Club of Jackson, as five players shared the opening-round advantage on six under.

American quintet Ryan Armour, Andrew Landry, Conrad Shindler, J.J Spaun and Wyndham Clark top the leaderboard, with Smylie Kaufman one of four players a stroke off the pace.

The event in Mississippi has a weakened field due to the world's top 50 being eligible to compete in the WGC-HSBC Champions, with world No 75 William McGirt - who carded a two-under 70 - the highest-ranked player involved.

Beginning on the back nine on Thursday, Power birdied the 11th and rolled in an 18-foot gain at the par-five 14th, only to miss a putt from half the distance to save par at the next.

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Power birdied the second and almost holed out from the rough at the sixth on his way to picking up another shot, before finishing his round with a gain at the par-four ninth.

Landry posted four birdies and eagles over his first five holes on his way to topping the leaderboard, as Clark picked up six shots in his final eight holes to grab a share of the advantage.

Kaufman is joined on five under by Derek Fathauer, Brian Stuard and Peter Malnati, while defending champion Cody Gribble struggled to a three-over 75.

Watch the Sanderson Farms Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage continues on Friday from 7.30pm.