Despite his own disappointment near the end of his round, Tiger Woods was signing the praise of playing companion, Branden Grace.

Woods bogeyed three of his closing six holes while Grace, making his debut in the $US 8.5m event, carded a two over par 72 in very hot conditions on the Firestone Country Club course.

“I had great control tee-to-green today as I really hit it well but when I got onto the greens I was averaging about four putts a hole,” said Woods.

Tiger Woods believes Branden Grace is a 'really nice kid'. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“So it was a great day on the greens.

“But I am going to have to shoot a low one as the leader board in pretty bunched.  But it seems that it’s going to be one of those weeks where it’s going to be hot all week and where the ball is going to be flying.

“So while it’s going to be a little bit tough, it’s going to be the same for everyone and you just have to grab your opportunities.”

Woods, an eight-time winner of the Bridgestone event, was asked by www.golfbytourmiss.com what he thought of playing alongside Grace, a three-time winner on the European Tour this year.

“I did enjoy playing with Braden, I did,” said Woods.

“He’s really a nice kid.  We were talking about some of the tournaments he’s played this year or going to be playing in later this year.

“But yeah, you can see how he’s done well.  He hits the ball a long way.

“And if he turns it over, he can get it out there with some of the longer guys.  If he’s driving it well, the golf courses are all going to be short for him.”