TPC update: Davis Love III again demonstrated his fondness for the TPC at Sawgrass by snatching a share of the clubhouse lead in the Players Championship first round.

The twice former winner fired seven birdies on a damp, overcast day to join playing partner Jim Furyk on seven-under-par 65.

"I feel like I can contend every week but, when you get to a place like here or Hilton Head where you've done well consistently, it gives you a lot of confidence," Love told reporters.

Champion at Sawgrass in 1992 and 2003, Love triumphed at Hilton head five times between 1987 and 2003.

"This is such a big tournament," said the 41-year-old. "You're pointing towards this one and it's nice to get off to a good start like I did today."

The 1997 US PGA champion raced to the turn in four-under 32, sparkling approach play setting up birdies at the second, sixth, eighth and ninth.

Love then picked up further shots on 11, 12 and 16 to finish level with good friend Furyk in the tournament dubbed the fifth major.

Tiger Woods, who missed yesterday's practice round to make  a 4000-mile round trip to be with his ill father Earl, was unable to trouble the leaders and stood on one-over-par through 15 holes.

Playing alongside Darren Clarke, who could also be forgiven for having his mind elsewhere as his wife Heather continues to battle against cancer, Woods was never able to force his way into contention and a scrappy round saw him mix four birdies with five bogeys.

Clarke also struggled to get to grips with the course and lies a stroke further back while Padraig Harrington (two-over after 15) and Paul McGinley (five-over after 11) will also feel they have yet to display there best golf.