KAPALUA, Hawaii, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Vijay Singh, who became golf's dominant force in 2004, began 2005 by grabbing the lead Thursday in the opening round of the Mercedes Championship.
Singh won nine times last season, established a one-year PGA Tour earnings record and passed Tiger Woods as the world's No. 1 ranked player.
In the first round of this year's tour, he shot a 7-under 66 to lead Craig Parry by one at an event reserved for winners on last season's circuit.
Woods shot a 68 to share third place with Stewart Cink, Jonathan Kaye and Sergio Garcia.
Ernie Els, Chad Campbell and Adam Scott were among those who shot 69 while John Daly was in a group at 70. Defending Masters champion Phil Mickelson is not playing, leaving the field at 31 players.
"I played well today," Singh said, "and I putted well, too. I left a few putts short, but I'll take a 66 on this course any day.
"I did what I had to do before this tournament. I went home and thought about the things I needed to improve.
