LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 24 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Open winner Steve Jones shot a bogey-free, 8-under 64 Thursday that gave him the first-round lead at the Players Championship.
With the world's top 50 players on hand for the richest event in the sport, Jones stole the spotlight on a near perfect day for golf.
Jones has had an injury-plagued career and this is the first time he has led at any stage of a tournament in three years.
Fred Funk, Zach Johnson and Lee Westwood all shot 65 over the TPC-Sawgrass Stadium Course while Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald and J.L. Lewis were at 66.
All of the sport's top four players broke par, but only world No. 1 Vijay Singh was near the lead. He was one of five players to shoot 67.
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson both had to settle for 70 while Ernie Els shot 71. Mickelson made seven birdies but bogeyed three of the final four holes -- including one at the par-4 18th when he hit his tee shot into the water.
Defending champion Adam Scott shot 69, as did Retief Goosen.
