Avondale, Sahith Theegala and Aaron Rai, close friends and of Indian origins, started modestly in the Zurich Classic, the only team event on the PGA Tour.
The duo, who have played together in big events including Majors and the Hero World Challenge, scored 10-under on the first day in the four-ball format.
Rai and Theegala each made an eagle, with Rai spinning in a 106-yard approach shot on the par-4 13th and Theegala making an eagle on the par-5 second hole.
However, they were tied 13th as English duo Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer led at 14-under, matching the tournament record with a 58.
Another Indian origin player, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, playing with Ryan Gerard, was T-42 at 7-under.
The format returns to Four-ball Saturday and back to Foursomes Sunday.
