Tiger Woods, two others take early lead in Woods' golf tournament

Tiger Woods, Graeme McDowell and Dustin Johnson were tied for the early lead after nine holes Thursday in the opening round of the Chevron World Challenge, a tournament in Thousand Oaks that benefits Woods' charity.

Woods birdied both of the par-5s on the front side along with the par-four 7th and 9th holes to join McDowell and Johnson at four under par on the 7,027-yard, par-72 Sherwood Country Club course.

Woods is a four-time winner of the event, but the former No. 1 golfer hasn't had a victory this year in the aftermath of his sensational sex scandal.

Rory McIlroy was one shot back at three under after the 21-year-old Northern Ireland native birdied the first three holes. Paul Casey and Camilo Villegas were two shots behind at two-under par.

Conditions were ideal for golf at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the low 70s.

--Jim Peltz

Photo: Dustin Johnson tees off Thursday during the first round of the Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks. Credit: Lucy Nicholson / Reuters