Spieth leads by one in Florida

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Jordan Spieth leads by one stroke while Tiger Woods struggled at the Hero World Challenge on Thursday.

Fresh off his Australian Open win, Spieth’s sizzling six under 66 was enough to give him a one stroke lead over a group of four players including Rickie Fowler and Henrik Stenson at Isleworth in Florida.

After a birdie on the opening hole, the American scored par on the following four. But this birdie three on the par four sixth started an impressive run of five birdies in a row.

The run ended with a bogey but one final birdie on the par five 13th edged Spieth ahead. The 2013 PGA rookie of the year then rolled in a 20 footer to save par on the 18th and keep his one stroke lead.

“I’m excited about the start to this week,” said revealed the 21-year-old on Sky Sports.

“I’m excited about how last week went and kind of riding the momentum. It would have been tough to finish with bogey. It was nice to close that one out.”

Meanwhile, former world number one Tiger Woods made his return to professional golf after a long lay-off, shooting a rusty five over 77.

The round leaves him in last place, four shots off Billy Horschel and Patrick Reed who are on one over.

“It was just one of those days where nothing goes your way,” revealed Woods.
“I feel like I didn’t hit it that poorly. I have zero pain and I haven’t said that in a long time. It’s nice to be able to launch it again.

“My short game was awful. I didn’t make anything. It certainly is surprising I could hit chips that poorly. I flubbed them. I hit some terrible chips.”

American duo Steve Stricker and Zach Johnson join the chasing pack on five under after the opening round.

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