Woods hits sparkling form on day one of Open with three-under 69

American golf ace Tiger Woods, who has played only one tournament since his back surgery in March, kick started his first major of the year with a splendid three-under 69 on the first day of the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

The former world number one began his first major of the year in ominous fashion having played almost three months earlier as he was out recovering from his back operation.

Woods, who won the last of his 14 majors in 2008, hit bogeys at the two opening holes, which suggested the rust he displayed when missing the cut in his first tournament back at Congressional last month was still clinging to his below par body, The BBC reported.

However, Woods fought back with a birdie at the long fifth and then went on a run with five birdies in six holes from the 11th.

Woods said that he felt good about a lot of things out there, especially coming back from that start he had.

Meanwhile, Northern Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy lead by a stroke on day one with a six-under 66 to head Italy's Matteo Manassero, the report added.