In-form American Hunter Mahan, Britain's Paul Casey and South
African Rory Sabbatini grabbed a share of the lead at the
WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Thursday with Tiger Woods in hot
pursuit.
Mahan, Casey and Sabbatini fired matching three-under-par 67s to
set the first-round pace in sweltering, slick conditions at
Firestone Country Club.
Woods, hunting his sixth victory here in nine appearances,
opened ominously with a 68 to share fourth place with fellow
Americans Mark Calcavecchia, Boo Weekley and Arron Oberholser,
Briton Lee Westwood and Australian Stuart Appleby.
Mahan, who won his maiden PGA Tour title at the Travelers
Championship in Connecticut six weeks ago, birdied three of the
last five holes to maintain his golden run of form.
"It's exciting to play this good, to feel like I'm finally
reaching my potential by playing the way I know I can," the
25-year-old Californian told reporters after covering his homeward
nine in five-under 31.
"I'm just going out there and letting go. And I love this golf
course. It sets up well for me."
Mahan shrugged off a double-bogey six at the 17th, his eighth
hole of the day, to surge up the leaderboard.
"I wasn't really happy with myself there but, other than that, I
played as good on about 17 holes as I could," he said.
Tiger factor
"My only concern is the fact that Tiger has been here forever
and knows this place pretty well. Other than that, I feel very
excited to play."
Firestone specialist Woods was satisfied with his opening round
on one of his favourite layouts.
"I hit the ball pretty good today, just had a couple of loose
ones, and my short game was decent," the 12-time major winner said
after carding four birdies and two bogeys.
"I thought I had a pretty good touch on the greens. I do feel
comfortable around here. I don't know what it is. This course just
fits my eye and for some reason I've had some success here."
Woods, bidding for a third successive title at Firestone, said
he had never seen the par-70 South Course play as fast.
"The fairways are really quick and the greens are unbelievably
quick," the 31-year-old added.
"Everything above the hole you've really got to pay attention
because there are a couple out there where you can putt right off
the green. It doesn't take much."
British Open champion Padraig Harrington, back in action for the
first time since his playoff victory at Carnoustie 11 days ago,
opened with a 72.
Of the other big names in the 83-strong field, three-times major
winner Ernie Els carded a 70 while Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh
battled to 74s.
(China Daily via Agencies August 4, 2007)
