Tiger Woods grabs early lead in Chevron World Challenge

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Tiger Woods birdied four of the first five holes Thursday to jumped out to an early first-round lead in the 13th Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks.

Steve Stricker was one stroke behind Woods at three under par, while Nick Watney and Webb Simpson were two under.

Woods is a four-time winner of the 18-player tournament, which benefits his charitable foundation.

But he hasn’t won a tournament of any kind in two years, a streak he’s hoping to break this weekend at the Jack Nicklaus-designed, par-72 Sherwood course.

Woods has played better of late, and he carried the momentum into Thursday’s round with birdies on the first, second, fourth and fifth holes.

Course conditions were mostly good, although the gusty winds plaguing the Los Angeles area also were swirling somewhat at Sherwood, which is nestled against the Santa Monica Mountains.

MORE:

Tiger Woods still has a long way to go in comeback attempt

Tiger Woods’ ex-caddie may not be racist, but he sure is bitter

Tiger Woods makes peace with Steve Williams at Presidents Cup

— Jim Peltz