Darren Clarke has made an impressive start to the World Golf Championships, NEC Invitational at the Firestone Country Club, Akron, Ohio.
Clarke carded five birdies in the first 13 holes of his opening round to join Scott Verplank and Ben Curtis in a tie for first place with Tiger Woods two shots behind after 12 holes.
Clarke's compatriot Padraig Harrington started well, with two birdies, but soon fell off the pace after shooting three bogies. A birdie on the 17th saw Harrington finish on three over par.
Fellow Dubliner Paul McGinley finished in between the two, on level par, after a round of 70.
full report to follow
