There's a four-way tie for the lead after the first round of the Players Championship tournament in Florida, the tournament regarded as golf's unofficial fifth major.
Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, Canadian David Hearn and American's Charlie Hoffman and Kevin Na are at five under par and have a one-shot lead in the $13 million event.
The world number one Rory McIlroy hit a steady three-under par 69 while Masters champion and world number two Jordan Spieth struggled to a three-over 75 finishing the opening round equal 109th, eight shots off the pace.
World number one Rory McIIroy in action at the Players Championship in Florida. Photo: Photosport
Matsuyama missed several fairways early but recovered to notch six birdies and just a lone bogey at the first, his 10th hole.
Two-time Players champion and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods shot a one-over 73 after finding water on the 18th hole and making a double bogey.
He's tied for 77th along with New Zealanders Danny Lee and Tim Wilkinson.
Matsuyama finished fifth at last month's Masters but talked down his place among the budding rivalry of McIlroy and Spieth, even though he outplayed them.
"I'm not even close to those guys, Rory and Jordan," said Matsuyama. "I just need to practise more and hopefully soon I'll be able to play at the same level that they do."
