Golden Goosen claims early lead in Akron

Retief Goosen was the early front-runner at Firestone Country Club today as the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational got under way in Akron, Ohio.

The South African covered the front nine of the 7,400-yard, par-70 South Course in a three-under-par 32, and had carded the fourth and fifth birdies of his opening round at the 10th and 11th holes to lead the morning starters in the 81-man field by a stroke at five under, having played 13 holes on a warm and sunny morning.