A first round of 66 saw Taylormade golfer Retief Goosen top the leaderboard on the first day of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.
The South African finished four under par at Firestone Country Club, with his compatriot Tim Clark, Ping golfer Daniel Chopra, Cleveland''s Vijay Singh and Titleist player Zach Johnson all one shot behind the leader.
Cobra player Ian Poulter, who clinched second place at last month''s Open Championship, carded an even-par 70 to finish level with Northern Irish pair Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell.
Speaking after his opening round, Goosen suggested that a new fitness regime could be responsible for his improved performance on the golf course.
"I''ve lost 18 pounds in weight since the beginning of the year. So I''m definitely fitter and a bit stronger than I was," the 39-year-old stated.
Recent Open champion Padraig Harrington hit a one-under-par 69, with the Wilson golfer finishing a single shot behind a group including Callaway duo Phil Mickelson and Rocco Mediate.
01/08/2008