Out early, England's Kenneth Ferrie makes light of a bad back to post a solid two-under-par start at Medinah

Luke Donald is another Brit to enjoy a good start to his campaign - the Chicago-based star cards a four-under 68

Alongside Donald is Ryder Cup team-mate Lee Westwood - he needs a good week here to book a spot at the K Club

But most attention at Medinah is focused on the clash of golf's titans - Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods

Woods makes a scrappy start but it does not take long for the world number one to demonstrate his shot-making abilities

Mickelson starts better than his American rival but the Masters champion was never quite at his magical best

And when it is all said and done, Mickelson and Woods walk off with matching three-under 69s

Meanwhile, US Ryder Cup hopeful Lucas Glover is upstaging them all with a 66 that includes eight birdies

But, like a freight train, Davis Love races to seven under before a fresh air shot leads to a triple-bogey six on 17

American Chris Riley, a Ryder Cup star in 2004, takes advantage and cards a 66 to join Glover in the lead

Spain's Sergio Garcia also makes a move up the leaderboard in the afternoon, reaching four under before ending with a 69

Colin Montgomerie, though, gives himself a momumental task on Friday after sliding to a five-over 77