Tiger Woods put himself in a good position at the Buick Open in Michigan after an opening round 67 left him just two shots behind leader Kent Jones.

Sandwiched between Woods and Jones are Mark Brooks and K.J. Choi, who both shot rounds of 66.

Playing in first tournament since The Open at Muirfield, Woods finished with two birdies which added a satisfactory conclusion to a round which highlighted his inconsistent putting.

A shot behind Woods is his great friend and Florida neighbour Mark O'Meara, while also on four under is reigning PGA champion David Toms.

Toms will defend his title next week at Hazeltine in Minnesota, with Woods favourite to capture a title he won in consecutive years from 1999-2000.

Jones, who is 130th on the money list, has missed the cut in four of his last five events and his best career finish was a tie for eighth at Pebble Beach in February.

His second-best finish is a tie for 12th at the 1998 Buick Open.

Jones birdied three of the first four holes and four of the last six to fall one stroke short of his career-best round.

Defending champion Kenny Perry, who fell one stroke short of the tournament record at 25 under last year, will have to put together a good round on Friday to make the cut after shooting a one over 73.

Phil Mickelson, the second-ranked player in the world, recovered from a rough start with birdies on four of the last five holes to reach three under.

First round leaderboard
(US unless stated)