Phil Mickelson, boosted by a 65-foot birdie putt on his penultimate hole, charged into a share of the lead in a blustery first round at the Players Championship.

The American left-hander fired a five-under-par 67 in brutal conditions at the refurbished Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass to set the pace with South Africa's Rory Sabbatini.

US Ryder Cup player Chris DiMarco was alone in third after opening with a six-birdie 68, one stroke better than Australia's Peter Lonard.

World number one Tiger Woods, champion in 2001, struggled on the greens on his way to a three-bogey 75, matching his highest score at Sawgrass in his 11th appearance.

It was also his first round on the PGA Tour without a birdie since he opened with a 76 at the 2003 Masters.

Darren Clarke (hamstring) and David Howell (back) both pulled out with ongoing injuries. Clarke lasted just six holes, four more than Howell.

Padraig Harrington is nine shots off the leaders after an opening round 76.

Mickelson, competing in his third tournament since switching allegiance to swing coach Butch Harmon, defied winds that gusted up to 65 kph with six birdies and a lone bogey.

"I made some good putts today and the ones that didn't go in were very close," the 36-year-old Californian told reporters after launching his round with consecutive birdies from the 10th.

"Getting off to a good start was a big factor for me as it allowed me not to force birdie or press.

"I was able to play for par on some of the tougher holes and take advantage of some of the birdie holes where the pin was more susceptible.

"The greens were very, very fair and it was nice to see that one drop," the three-times major winner added, referring to his final birdie of the day at the par-three eighth.