Tiger Woods may not be leading after the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational but then he already lurking close to the lead.

Indeed, early in his round Woods forged his way to the front when he eagled his seventh hole but back-to-back bogeys sent him back in the chasing pack behind England’s Justin Rose.

Rose recorded just 25 putts in his lowest Bay Hill round in 31 loops of the suburban Orlando course.

Tiger Woods may be in the foreground but it’s Justin Rose in front after day one of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Photo – www.pgatour.com)

Woods arrived having won ‘Arnie’s event’ on seven prior occasion and favourite o make that eight this week and in the process return to World No. 1 for a first occasion since 30th October, 2010.

But while Woods heads into the second round four adrift behind Rose you would be unwise with three rounds to play in writing off the American.

“I played all right today,” said Woods.  “I didn’t hit it my best today, that’s for sure.  I scored well.  I got up‑and‑down a few times and made a couple putts here and there.

“It was pretty cool this morning.  The ball wasn’t traveling, and these are some new pins.  I haven’t seen a couple of these pins out here.  They were up on some knobs.  Especially at 13, that was a tough pin.  For a little wedge in tthere, you’ve got to play so conservative and putt back.

“But then  days happen like this.  It was cool this morning, and it just didn’t work out.  But I scored well, and I kept myself in the tournament.  I’m right there.”

And Woods had full of praise for his playing partner, Rose.

“Justin played a beautiful round of golf today,” said Woods.

“He had every single facet of his game working, so we had a good time out there.”