With most of the attention focused on Tiger Woods, Nick Price of Zimbabwe stole the spotlight in the first round of the Western Open in Illinois.

Without a win on the PGA Tour for more than two years, Price tied a course record with a nine-under-par 63 to open a three-shot lead over Jim Furyk. Price birdied eight of the first 11 holes during a bogey-free round, reeling off four straight birdies on two occasions.

Four players were tied for third at five-under, with a logjam of 10 players another shot back. Sixteen golfers stood within five strokes of the lead.

Making his first appearance since his record-breaking performance at the US Open, Woods settled for a two-under 70 and was seven shots behind Price.

Earlier Woods dealt next January's World Matchplay Championship a crushing blow by saying he will not be flying to Australia for the £3 million event.

Leading First Round Scores (US unless stated): 63 - N Price (Zimbabwe). 66 - J Furyk. 67 - C Paulson, S Stricker, F Couples, S Appleby, 68 - B Glasson, R Freeman, D Paulson, B Mayfair, G Hjertstedt, J Durant, K Perry, M Wiebe, DA Weibring, O Browne. 69 - F Langham, B Elder, J Williamson, M Weir, JL Lewis, T Armour, G Kraft, E Harrison Frazar, JD Blake, R Allenby, G Day, S Flesch.