Golf:Graeme McDowell was the early pacesetter on the opening day of the €3.8million Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club but was closely pursued by host Tiger Woods and playing partner Rory McIlroy.
The Ulster pair picked off birdies and the odd eagle for fun with the US Open champion top of the select 18-player pile on seven under through 13.
McDowell reached the turn in four under 32 with birdies gleaned at the third, fifth, sixth and eighth. Both he and McIlroy reduced the par five 11th to its knees with a pair of impressive eagles before McDowell followed up with a birdie at the short 12th.
Woods, striving for the fifth win in his own tournament, was also out in 32 with back-to-back birdies coming from the 10th to get to six under with six to play.
McIlroy's journey was more of a roller-coaster ride. The 21-year-old opened with three straight birdies but traded dropped shots at the fifth and eighth with two further birdies and the eagle at the 11 to be five under.
Dustin Johnson was next on three under with the English pair of Paul Casey and Luke Donald two and one under respectively.