Zach Johnson first-round leader in Tiger Woods’ charity event
Zach Johnson shot a five-under-par 67 to seize the first-round lead Thursday in Tiger Woods’ charity golf tournament at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks.
Matt Kuchar finished one shot behind Johnson in the Northwestern Mutual World Challenge. Hunter Mahan and Bubba Watson were three shots back after shooting two-under 70s.
Woods -- a five-time winner of the event -- also looked poised to shoot 70 when he came to the 18th green with a three-foot putt for birdie. But he missed the putt and settled for a one-under 71.
Johnson, who finished second in the World Challenge in 2007 and 2011, had seven birdies and two bogeys in Thursday’s round.
One of his birdies came on the par-four 14th hole when he sank a 25-foot putt that had to travel up over a ridge.
“It was a good start,” Johnson said. “Just a real solid day all around.”
Two-time and defending World Challenge winner Graeme McDowell birdied the first two holes but ultimately settled for an even-par 72 after suffering four bogeys during the round.
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