Tiger stalks Troy at Buick

Matteson leads way at Torrey Pines with Tiger two off the pace

Last updated: 27th January 2008

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Woods: Opening 67

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Troy Matteson shot a 65 to claim a one-stroke advantage after the first round of the Buick Invitational, but on his return to competitive action Tiger Woods stands just two back of the leader.

Playing on the tougher South course at Torrey Pines, venue for this year's US Open, Matteson carded eight birdies and just a single bogey as he forged to the top of the leaderboard.

He stands at -7, a shot clear of Brad Adamonis who posted a 66 on the more forgiving North course.

Indeed, ten of the top 12 scores of the first day came from the North course, the only other from those playing the South course to join Matteson in that group, perhaps unsurprisingly, was three-time defending champion Woods (-5) who shot a 67.

However, despite his score suggesting otherwise, the world number one endured a rather scrappy round with his driving somewhat errant.

Woods missed seven of 14 fairways but, in typical style, held his game together admirably to ensure he was very much on the pace by the end of the day.

Awful off the tee

"I was pretty awful off the tee," Woods stated afterwards. "Somehow I was able to post a good number.

"I didn't drive it very good at all, whether it was five wood, three wood, or driver, it didn't seem to matter.

"I've been driving it well and just had one of those days.

"I hit my irons pretty good and I made some putts. I didn't have the speed of the greens early but, after a few holes, I figured that out. From then on, I hit a lot of good putts."

Joining Woods on -5 is Rory Sabbatini who caused controversy back in December by leaving the Target Challenge - an invitational event hosted by Woods - a day early.

Others to post a 67 were Kevin Streelman and Australian Stuart Appleby, while a further shot adrift are another Aussie, Nathan Green and Americans Anthony Kim, Kevin Stadler, Stewart Cink, Douglas Labelle and last year's runner-up Charles Howell III.

World number two Phil Mickelson (-2) who shrugged off a persistent respiratory problem to play opened his campaign for a fourth title at Torrey Pines with a 70 on the North course.