Woods shrugs off shaky start to lead in Japan

Tiger Woods couldn’t have scripted a better scenario for PGA’s first tournament in Japan despite his shaky start. After a layoff from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee two months ago, Woods shot a 6-under 64 on Thursday to share first-round le at Zozo Championship. Woods was tied with Gary Woodland, with local favorite Hideki Matsuyama one stroke behind.

Teeing off from 10th hole, things didn’t start well for Woods who sent his opening shot into water. That led to first of three straight bogeys. “ start I got off to wasn’t very good, I hit b shot after b shot ... and next thing you kw, things aren’t looking so good,” Woods said. But Masters champion quickly found his game at Accordia Golf Narashi Country Club, with birdies on four of his next six holes to get to 1 under.

“After start, ball striking was better, putting was really good,” Woods said. “I was hitting a lot of good putts, ball was rolling tight which was nice. ” Woods is making his first start in his 23rd season on PGA Tour, needing one victory to reach 82 wins and tie career record held by Sam Sne. Woods last played in an official tournament in Japan in 2006 at Dunlop Phoenix, where he lost in a playoff to Praig Harrington. He won Dunlop Phoenix two previous years.

As pleased as Woods was with his day, Japanese fans couldn’t have been happier. American is hugely popular in Japan and drew biggest galleries on Thursday. “ people here in Japan have come out and supported this event,” Woods said. “It’s been a lot of fun to play in front of m again, I haven’t done it in a while. I’ve missed it. y’ve always been fantastic with golf and supported ir golf here.” Woodland h six birdies, including one on par-5 18th. “I played well from top to bottom,” Woodland said. “I drove ball well and anytime I can control ball on greens from fairway, that ds up to a pretty good day.”

Matsuyama led early with four birdies on front nine, but faltered with a bogey on final hole. “I am just one stroke behind leer so think I am in a good position,” Matsuyama said. “Tomorrow I need to minimize my mistakes.”  Zozo tournament is part of three tournaments that make up PGA Tour’s Asia Swing, including CJ Cup in South Korea won last week by Justin Thomas and HSBC Champions in Shanghai next week.

Organizers said more than 20,000 fans attended opening day. Heavy rain from a storm over Pacific Ocean is expected on Friday. With wear issues predicted for second round, tee times have been moved up an hour but play could still be affected. Among or big names, Rory McIlroy (72) struggled with windy conditions and Thomas h an even-par 70. Jason Day, who beat Woods in a Skins game on Monday at same venue, finished with a 73 while Jordan Spieth shot a 74.