Inzai (Japan): Tiger Woods got off to a horrific start before roaring back with nine birdies in 15 holes to share the inaugural Zozo Championship lead in Japan Thursday as Rory McIlroy struggled. Woods, three-over after three holes, bounced back in stunning fashion with a back-nine of 29 and a six-under round of 64 to top the leaderboard alongside US Open champion Gary Woodland. "I certainly was not expecting to shoot six-under-par after that start," admitted Woods.

"It was ugly early and it was nice to be able to flip it. Now I'm in a position where we're going to have a long, long weekend of a lot of golf. Hopefully, I can keep it going." The American duo head into Friday with a one-shot lead over home favorite Hideki Matsuyama at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Inzai City. "I was excited that fans were calling out my name," said Matsuyama, who at 27th in the world is the highest-ranked Japanese player in the event.