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

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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