Snedeker sets the early pace

World number one Tiger Woods was pleased with his first round of the year - despite PGA Tour rookie Brandt Snedeker grabbing the limelight with an 11-under-par 61 at the Buick Invitational.

Woods carded two eagles and four birdies on his return to golf at Torrey Pines, but he is already five shots adrift of Snedeker and three behind second-placed Korean Charlie Wi.

"I thought I did really well," said Woods. "I thought I drove it really consistently all day, a couple loose iron shots here and there, but once I got my speed on the greens and got adjusted to the speed, I was able to make some putts."

Snedeker, a graduate from last season's Nationwide Tour, admitted afterwards: "I got a lot of breaks out there and it was a lot of fun.

"To have a round like that to start my year - it's pretty much a dream come true."

Jose Maria Olazabal was in joint fourth spot following a seven-under 65, while Justin Rose and Greg Owen carded 68s.