Englishman Ian Poulter grabs early lead in Tiger’s tourney

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Ian Poulter of Great Britain birdied four of the first six holes on his way to taking the early lead in today’s opening round of the Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks.

The tournament benefits Tiger Woods’ charity. Woods isn’t playing in the aftermath of his sensational personal troubles.

With conditions ideal on a sunny fall day, Poulter went out with a 5-under 31 on the first nine holes of the par-72 Sherwood course and then birdied the 11th hole to go 6 under par. Lee Westwood followed at 5 under.

Y.E. Yang, who held off Woods to win this year’s PGA Championship, was 3 under par, as was Zack Johnson.

One mild surprise: Jim Furyk, who led after two rounds of last year’s tournament, started slowly today and was even par after 12 holes.

-- Jim Peltz