In fact, Woods's six-under 65 was his best score since he was engulfed last November by a sex scandal that ultimately spelled the end of his marriage to Elin Nordegren.

The couple's divorce became final on Monday, although Woods said he couldn't put his performance on Thursday down to any feeling of relief.

"I can't really say that's the case. As far as golf-wise, it was nice to put it together," said Woods, who had seven birdies and one bogey as he matched compatriot Vaughn Taylor for the lead.

"It's exciting to hit the ball flush again," said Woods, who hadn't led a US PGA Tour event since the Tour Championship last September. "It's something I've been missing all year."

Woods's admission of multiple affairs made him a laughing stock and led to a five-month layoff from golf.

His game suffered, hitting an all-time low earlier this month with his worst four-round showing at the Bridgestone Invitational.

"It was a lot more difficult than I was letting on," Woods said Wednesday of playing through his divorce. "Most of the summer was like that. You try to block it out, but yes, at times it was (very painful)."

Woods and Taylor both played early, benefitting from light winds and smooth greens.