Tom fires 67 to lead Wachovia Championship

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—David Toms fired a 67 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead in the first round of the Wachovia Championship.

Toms, 41, who hasn't won since the 2006 Sony Open in Hawaii, has battled a back problem for the better part of the last two years. He called his first round one of the best rounds he has had in a long time.

"I can't remember the last time I was in one of these media centers," said Toms, who won the first Wachovia Championship in 2003.

With half of the field still on the course Toms was in front of Phil Mickelson and unheralded Jason Bohn, who each shot 68. John Merrick, Vaughn Taylor, Zach Johnson and Nick Flanagan each shot 69 and trail by two shots.

Toms, who teed off the back nine first, ended his round in style with birdies on holes eight and nine.

"Today was a good start obviously to this event," said Toms, who won the 2001 PGA Championship. "It's a tournament that I've won before, so I know I can play the course well."

Provider:

Winston-Salem Journal - Winston-Salem,NC,USA