Aggressive Woods impresses on Day One

World No 1 Tiger Woods made a huge statement on the opening day of the JBWere Masters at Kingston Heath, tearing up the sandbelt course with a six-under 66 to sit level with Australia's James Nitties and 21-year-old South African Branden Grace.

Stalked by a dedicated gallery that started at around 10,000 and swelled to almost double that size as the morning advanced, Woods fired seven birdies and one bogey to set a mark that was only matched by two others, who also enjoyed the easier morning conditions. Those who teed off in the afternoon were subject to increased winds.

"The wind wasn't really blowing and the greens were soft so we could be pretty aggressive into the greens," said Woods.