Snedeker played on the second-tier Nationwide Tour last year

FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD
(US unless stated):
-11 B Snedeker
-9 C Wie (Kor)
-8 J Senden (Aus), J Quinney
-7 J-M Olazabal (Spa), K Sutherland, C Couch, C Kresge, J Wagner, S Marino, D Stiles, G Coles, R Garrigus
Selected others:
-6 T Woods

Brandt Snedeker stole the limelight from Tiger Woods with an 11-under 61 in the Buick Invitational first round.

Woods rallied from a rocky start that included bogeys at two of his first three holes to finish on six-under 66.

Snedeker, 26, had six birdies and an eagle in his first seven holes and added three more birdies for a two-shot lead over South Korea's Charlie Wie.

Australia's John Senden, playing in the same group as Woods, shot a 64 for third place on eight-under.

Jose Maria Olazabal, runner-up to Woods in a play-off in this event last year, headed a group on seven-under 65.

The whole front nine was a blur PGA Tour rookie Brandt Snedeker

The Spaniard is seeking his first US victory since his triumph in this event in 2002.

World number one Woods, who has won his last six PGA Tour events, was making his seasonal debut at La Jolla, California.

After a slow start from the 10th tee, he got things going with a run of three birdies from the 14th that got him to one-under.

He eagled the 18th - where his second shot hit the pin - to make the turn at three-under at Torrey Pines.

Woods got to four-under with a birdie at the second, then capped his round with an eagle at the 548-yard, par-five ninth.

He admitted his surprise when seeing Snedeker on the scoreboard at eight under through seven holes. "We thought it was a misprint," Woods said.

He added: "I thought I did really well today. It took me probably three or four holes to get back into the flow of competition.

"I drove it consistent, hit a couple of loose iron shots here and there but, once I got my speed on the greens, I was able to make some putts."

Snedeker claimed two victories on the Nationwide Tour last year despite missing five tournaments with a broken collarbone.

The Buick Invitational is played on two courses in the first two rounds - the tougher South Course will host the 2008 US Open.