AKRON, Ohio, (Reuters) – Australian Adam Scott birdied four of his last six holes to grab a one-shot lead in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational first round yesterday as Tiger Woods made an encouraging return to competition.
Scott, with Woods’s former caddie Steve Williams on his bag, fired a sizzling eight-under-par 62 at Firestone Country Club to take control in the elite World Golf Championships (WGC) event. Making the most of rain-softened conditions on the heavily tree-lined South Course, Scott delivered a flawless display to end the round a stroke in front of compatriot Jason Day. American Nick Watney was a further two shots back after returning a 65 but most eyes at Firestone were focused on seven-times champion Woods who carded a 68 on his long-awaited PGA Tour return.
“I was hitting proper shots out there,” a smiling Woods told reporters after mixing three birdies with a lone bogey at the par-four 14th. “I hadn’t hit the ball like this. “This was fun, to be able to hit the ball with that much flush feeling … and speed I had. It was pretty nice.” Woods, who has missed the last two majors because of leg injuries, had not played tournament golf since he pulled out of the Players Championship in May after completing just nine holes.
