American Byrd on song with 64 at Cog Hill

CHICAGO, Sep 7 (Reuters) American Jonathan Byrd birdied three of his last four holes to grab a one-shot lead in the opening round of the BMW Championship in Lemont, Illinois.

The three-times PGA Tour winner fired a seven-under-par 64 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club to take charge in the penultimate leg of the inaugural FedExCup playoff series yesterday.

Britain's Justin Rose, who reeled off six birdies in a blistering front nine of 29, carded a 65 to finish level with Colombian Camilo Villegas.

Americans Stewart Cink, Troy Matteson and Pat Perez were a further stroke back while triple champion Tiger Woods, red-hot favourite this week, returned a 67.

World number one Woods, tournament winner in 1997, 1999 and 2003, rattled up six birdies in his first 14 holes before slipping back with a double-bogey at the par-four seventh where he overshot the green with his approach.

''I felt like I hit the ball decent today but putted a lot better,'' the 13-times major champion told reporters.

''Just had that one bad hole at seven but, other than that, it was a pretty good day.'' Byrd, who clinched his third PGA Tour title at the John Deere Classic in July, birdied his opening hole, the par-four 10th, before reaching the turn in four-under 32.

After bogeying the par-three second, he picked up further shots at the third, sixth, seventh and eighth in relatively benign conditions.

SOLID PERFORMANCE Byrd lies 30th in the FedExCup points standings and needs a solid performance at Cog Hill to secure his place in the 30-strong field for next week's Tour Championship in Atlanta.

''I am trying not to put any extra pressure on myself this week,'' the 29-year-old said after a round featuring eight birdies, one bogey and 24 putts.

''I've played well all year and it's been a successful year.

I won a tournament, have had a lot of good finishes and I feel good about my game.

''Being 30th and kind of on the bubble, I knew I would have to stay aggressive this week. I might as well shoot to win the golf tournament.'' With rain forecast for later in the day, scheduled teetimes were put back and the players were sent off in threesomes.

The action was completed in around six hours and the course was unusually quiet, even with the galleries surrounding Woods.

''It just didn't seem like there was that many people out there today,'' Byrd said.

This week's field was limited to 70 players but FedExCup points leader Phil Mickelson, winner of the Deutsche Bank Championship Monday, is a notable absentee after deciding to spend extra time with family.

The top 30 in the standings will then qualify for the 7 million dollars Tour Championship where a 10 million dollars bonus in deferred compensation will be earned by the overall points champion.

REUTERS BJR RK1545