The Ulsterman dropped shots at the second, third and eighth holes on the tough par-71 layout, but picked up birdies at the two par fives on the front nine.

The 35-year-old – whose win in the NEC Invitational essentially secured his place in the limited-field event – was only three shots off the lead, however, with American trio Chris Riley, Scott Verplank and Steve Flesch setting the early pace on two under par.

Most of the attention was focused on the final two ball on the course, with Vijay Singh and Tiger Woods playing together as they battled it out to finish top of the money list.

Woods has to win to claim the title for an unprecedented fifth straight year, but the in-form Singh can still deny the world number one by finishing in a tie for third or better.

Singh is also the defending champion, although his win 12 months ago came at a different venue, while Woods did win at Champions in 1999.