Goosen grabs early lead at Bridgestone golf

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

AKRON, Ohio (AFP) — South Africa's Retief Goosen made the most of the absence of an injured Tiger Woods, firing a four-under 66 to lead after the opening round of the Bridgestone Invitational.

Woods has owned this World Golf Championships event with six wins in nine years. Goosen hopes that without the World No. 1 in the field that the 1.35 million dollar first place prize will be his for the taking.

"All the losers are still here," joked Goosen Thursday, who missed his practice round for the eight-million dollar tournament at the Firestone Country Club.

Goosen leads Vijay Singh, Zach Johnson, Daniel Chopra and Tim Clark by one stroke.

Chez Reavie, who won the Canadian Open last week, Rocco Mediate, Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk are in a large group...