The American world number 52 made light of high winds to plunder nine birdies in a brilliant display which earned him a four-shot advantage, the biggest opening-round lead in the year's first major for 62 years.
"Just when I step on the property, I feel good," Hoffman told reporters.
"Visually - I'm a very visual person - it fits my eye. It feels good when I'm on the greens and on the tees and hitting shots into the green. It just makes me focus a little bit more and I definitely feel comfortable here."
The 40-year-old Californian, who has won four PGA Tour titles, came into the tournament on a good run of form, finishing tied fourth at the Genesis Open and joint second at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
