American Cameron Young leads by two shots after the opening round of the Hero World Challenge hosted by Tiger Woods in the Bahamas.

The 27-year-old Young shot a bogey-free eight-under-par at Albany on Thursday, leading compatriot Justin Thomas, who birdied four of the final five holes.

Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, is three shots behind Young at five under alongside Akshay Bhatia, Patrick Cantlay, Sahith Theegala and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg.

Host and 15-time major winner Woods had to miss the tournament – an unofficial event featuring 20 of the world’s best players – because he was expected to take a special place.

Woods, 48, gave no reason for his absence but had maintained a limited competition schedule for years due to numerous injuries.

Scot Robert MacIntyre is tied for eighth after opening with a round of 68, four shots clear of the lead, level with American trio Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns and Nick Dunlap.

Meanwhile, England’s Aaron Rai is three shots further back at one-under.

World No. 38 Young was named the 2022 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year but has yet to win a PGA title, making eight birdie putts and taking the lead in the invitational event.

“It’s a beautiful thing to come out and just feel like yourself,” Young said.

“Really happy with it. I feel like I just felt really comfortable with the driver and that’s a big key out here. I’m sure I missed a fairway or two, but for the most part I was in really good position. Then I made a few putts early, which was nice.