Tiger Woods was in record equalling form yesterday at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, with a round of 61 equalling his career best and the course record.

Woods is -13 for the tournament and holds a 7 shot lead over his nearest rivals, Keegan Bradley and England’s Chris Woods. 

Woods had previously hit 61 at the course – in 2000 - and had he birdied the final 2 holes the round would have been just the sixth 59 in PGA Tour history.

Woods has long enjoyed his gold at the Ohio course, with 7 previous wins. He set about taking his eighth victory with birdie-eagle-birdie in the opening 3 holes, which he added to with 2 more birdies on the front 9 and 4 successive birdies between holes 10 and 13.

Rory McIlroy is the best of the Irish, on +1, with Graemem McDowell one shot back. Shane Lowry is on +8 but does not face a cut as the 73 player event sees all players play the weeekend.