Sluman grabs share of first-round lead

Jeff Sluman carded a bogey-free 63 for a three-way share of the lead at the Walt Disney Classic in Orlando.

Hidemichi Tanaka of Japan made 10 birdies on the Palm course for a nine-under 63. He and Sluman were joined by Bob Burns, who is 118th on the money list and needs a good week to secure his card for next year.

Scott Hoch was among those on 64 after the first round, while Stuart Appleby continued his strong form from Las Vegas and made 65.

Tiger Woods, playing for the first time since the Ryder Cup, was in a large group at 66.

"I'll take it," said Woods, who didn't hit the ball particularly well but made enough putts to post his 18th consecutive round at par or better.

Sluman did just about everything right. He made seven of his birdies from inside six feet and got away with his only big mistake by making a 35-footer on the 10th at the Palm course.

Veteran Sluam said: "Golf is getting to be a game when you can play well into your 40s."

Woods showed a few signs of rust, but they certainly didn't come out on his card. It was his ninth consecutive round in the 60s at Disney, a score that could have been better if not for a bogey on his final hole, and a treasure hunt through the shrubs.