ROUND ONE (US unless stated):
-7 T Woods -5 P Mickelson, J Dufner, S Marino, R Allenby (Aus) -4 R Goosen (SA), L Glover, J Maggert, H Mahan
Selected others: -1 S Garcia (Sp), I Poulter (Eng) +1 P Harrington (Ire)

Woods beat Steve Stricker by two shots at the same event in 2007

Tiger Woods made a late burst to take a two-shot clubhouse lead on the first day of the Quail Hollow Championships in Charlotte, USA.

The 33-year-old American shot six birdies in his last nine holes for a seven-under-par round.

Phil Mickelson shot a 67 to join Steve Marino and Robert Allenby in second place on five under.

Padraig Harrington was in good shape until a triple bogey and double bogey at 17 and 18 left him on one over.

Masters champion Angel Cabrera shot a two-under-par 70, while Spain's Sergio Garcia was one shot further back.

England's Ian Poulter birdied the last for a one-under 71, while compatriot Brain Davis went round in a level-par 70 and Ross Fisher and Justin Rose were one and two over respectively.

606: DEBATE Discuss Woods' charge here

World number Woods won the title in 2007 but was unable to defend it last season as he was recovering from knee surgery and Anthony Kim won in his absence.

But after starting on the back nine, Woods transformed his round over the second half of the course to signal his determination to reclaim the trophy.

A trademark run of form saw him pick up shots on his final three holes to accelerate away from those already on the course and throw down the gauntlet to those still to tee off.

"I hit a couple of loose shots here and there but I putted really well," said Woods.

"I had a couple of key saves that kept the round going and it's always nice when you birdie the last three.

"I putted the same as at Augusta but this time they went in instead of lipping out."

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