Great debut for Roberto Castro, Tiger Woods solid at Players

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy had their best start ever in The Players Championship.

It still wasn't enough to catch a guy who had never played the TPC Sawgrass.

Roberto Castro hit shots to tap-in range on the famed 17th and 18th holes on his way to a 9-under 63. That tied the course record held by Greg Norman and Fred Couples, and gave him a three-shot lead over McIlroy.

Woods had a chance for his first bogey-free round until missing the 18th green and flubbing a chip. He still had a 67, the first time he has broken 70 in the first round.

Vijay Singh, playing one day after he sued the PGA Tour for its handling of his doping case, was largely ignored playing in the group behind Woods.

DOUG FERGUSON,AP Golf Writer

Categories: Sports