SAN DIEGO (REUTERS) - While most eyes were on six-times champion Tiger Woods as he briefly moved within a stroke of the lead at the Farmers Insurance Open on Thursday, Brandt Snedeker launched his title defence in barnstorming style.
Snedeker, who has posted four top-10s in his previous six appearances in the PGA Tour event at Torrey Pines, charged into a tie for the lead with South Korean KJ Choi after carding a flawless seven-under-par 65 in the opening round.
The fast-talking American birdied four of his first nine holes before picking up three more shots after the turn on the easier north course, one of two layouts hosting the fourth PGA Tour event of the year.
"Obviously, a great start," FedExCup champion Snedeker told reporters. "It was nice to be back here defending. The golf course is in great shape and to play the way I played today was nice.
