American Troy Matteson fired a seven-under 65 to grab a one-shot lead after Thursday's opening round of the 5.2 million dollar PGA Buick Invitational.
Tiger Woods, who is making his season-opening appearance, was one of four golfers at five-under 67 and is two shots back.
Matteson was one shot ahead of fellow American Brad Adamonis, who shot a 66 on the north course.
Matteson played Thursday on Torrey Pines' south course which will be showcased later in June when it plays host to the 2008 US Open. He posted eight birdies and one bogey.
"I played the south course earlier this week and didn't break par either day I played it," said Matteson, who hit 11 of 14 fairways. "For the Open it's going to be tough. I know I missed a few fairways."
The only other score in the top 12 from the demanding south course was by Woods, the three-time defending champion.
Woods was tied with South African Rory Sabbatini, Australian Stuart Appleby and American Kevin Streelman at 67.
A half dozen golfers, including Charles Howell, were three shots behind Matteson.
This was the first tournament of 2008 for Woods, who at one point was tied for the lead before a bogey on 16 dropped him back a stroke.
This is also the season opener for Phil Mickelson. The lefthanded American shot a two-under 70 on the north course to lie five shots adrift of Matteson...
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