Torrey Pines, California ….

Russell Knox brilliantly cut a mid-round swath through the field thanks to an eagle and six birdies in a score of 67 on day one of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.

Knox, and contesting a third event of the new season, was two-over early in his round following bogeys at one and four before the top-ranked Scot landed a 3-wood to 10-feet at the par-5 fifth hole for his first eagle of 2019 and with the best of the half-a-dozen birdies from the sixth to the 12th holes being a 30-footer at the par-3 eighth hole.

Indeed, Knox played holes five to 12 in eight-under par and birding five in succession from the eighth hole of the North Course.

His only disappointment was completing the closing six holes in one-over that included a bogey down the last when he leaked a drive right and was then through the green with his approach shot.

Russell Knox opens his 2019 Farmers Insurance Open title chase with a 67 (Photo – @tourmiss)

He said:  “With all the rain they’ve had here the rough is brutal and as tough as I’ve seen it here and a few poor drives early on was the reason for the early bogeys.

“From thereon I was on the fairways and able to attack but then it was a little disappointing to leak the drive left down the last and walk off with a bogey but overall I have to be pleased as there was plenty of positives in my round.”

Former Farmers champion, Jon Rahm grabbed two eagles and seven birdies in a blistering 10-under par 62 and lead victorious Ryder Cup teammate and World No. 1 Justin Rose by a shot.

Tiger Woods, and returning to regular competition for a first occasion since capturing last August’s Tour Championship in Atlanta, was delighted to get the ‘juices flowing’ again with a pretty steady 70 on the South Course.

No such joy for Rory McIlroy who posted one less in signing for a 71 and in his very first competitive round at Torrey Pines.