Open Championship runner-up Henrik Stenson was today setting the early pace in the first round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron.
Stenson, who finished three shots behind winner Phil Mickelson at Muirfield last month, got off to a flying start at Firestone Country Club with a birdie at the first and eagle at the second.
And after a run of eight pars saw him caught at the top of the leaderboard by Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Ryan Moore and Webb Simpson, the Swede moved back into the outright lead with a birdie on the 11th.
England's Chris Wood, making his debut in the event, was two shots behind Stenson after covering the back nine in 35 and picking up shots at the first and second.
And World Number One Tiger Woods, seeking his eighth victory in the event, was another stroke back on one under after also going to the turn in 35 and making a birdie on the first.
Former US Open Champion Graeme McDowell was alongside Woods on one under after nine holes, while Lee Westwood was level par after eight.
World Number Three Rory McIlroy, fifth here last year to kick-start a brilliant second half of the season, was among the later starters, as were Open and US Open Champions Mickelson and Justin Rose, who had been paired together for the first two rounds.
Stenson also birdied the 12th to move to five under par, but was overtaken by Simpson who had carded four birdies in succession around the turn.
Wood, who had prepared for the event at his home course of Long Ashton and expressed his thanks to greenkeeping staff by leaving some "cider vouchers" behind the bar, was two off the pace on four under after picking up shots at the third and fifth.
And Woods was another shot back on three under after birdies at the third and fourth.
