American Cameron Young holds a two-shot lead after the opening round at the Hero World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods in the Bahamas.
Young, 27, shot a bogey-free eight under par in Albany on Thursday to lead compatriot Justin Thomas, who birdied four of the last five holes.
Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, is three shots behind Young on five under alongside Akshay Bhatia, Patrick Cantlay, Sahith Theegala and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg.
Host and 15-time major winner Woods was forced to miss the tournament – an unofficial event featuring 20 of the world’s top players – having been expected to take an exemption spot.
Woods, 48, did not give a reason for his absence but has kept a limited competitive schedule for years because of numerous injuries.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre is tied for eighth after opening with a round of 68 to sit four shots off the lead, level with American trio Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns and Nick Dunlap.
Meanwhile, England’s Aaron Rai is three shots further back at one-under.
World number 38 Young, named the 2022 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year but yet to win a PGA title, made eight birdie putts to take charge at the invitational event.
“It’s a nice thing to come out and just feel like yourself,” Young said.
“Really happy with it. I feel like with the driver I was just really comfortable and that’s a huge key out here. I’m sure I missed a fairway or two, but for the most part I was really well in position. Then I made a couple putts early, which was nice.”
