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American Cameron Young holds a two-shot lead after the opening round at the Hero World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods in the Bahamas.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Woods, 48, did not give a reason for his absence but has kept a limited competitive schedule for years because of numerous injuries.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, England’s Aaron Rai is three shots further back at one-under.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“It’s a nice thing to come out and just feel like yourself,” Young said. <\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n