With Tiger Out With Bad Knee, Toms Grabs Early Lead With 5-under 67

Charlotte, NC (AHN) -- With Tiger Woods not around to defend his championship, forgotten man David Toms shot a 5-under 67 at Quail Hollow Club to take the first-round lead at the Wachovia Championship on Thursday.

Toms, ranked 133rd on the money list, hasn't won a tournament in more than two years.

His recent woes include a withdrawal at the Match Play Championship after he swung too hard that caused a disk problem to flare up; two missed cuts; an 80 at the final round of the Masters; and a tie for 61st at the Verizon Heritage.

Toms, who won here in 2003, made eight birdies to take a one-shot lead over Phil Mickelson and Jason Bohn in a field that includes 18 of the world's top 25 golfers.

Toms said he couldn't remember the last time he had such a strong round.

Said Toms, "Since a long time. I don't know. I can't even think. It makes me feel good about my game. It gives me a little bit of confidence. It wasn't a fluke round."

Woods isn't around this week while he recovers from knee surgery.

Mickelson was showing off a new, longer putter in his first tournament since the Masters. He had only 26 putts with his new 35-inch model, switching from his old 33 1/2-inch putter. He said he made the switch because he's grown an inch after starting a fitness program that includes extensive stretching.

Zach Johnson and Ben Johnson were in a group of nine two shots off the pace at 69 while Vijay Singh and Rory Sabbatini were among 11 golfers three shots back at 70.

Masters champion Trevor Immelman, who missed the cut last week at the Byron Nelson Championship, struggled again with a 76 and was down near the bottom of the leaderboard.