Australian golfer Adam Scott weathered blustery conditions to be tied for the lead after the opening round of the WGC Cadillac Championships at the TPC Blue Monster.

Scott fired an impressive six-under par 66 to share the first round lead with American Jason Dufner (66).

The pair were two clear of Dane Thomas Bjorn and South African Charl Schwartzel who both fired four under par 68s.

Despite heavy winds throughout the round Scott posted five birdies and an eagle with just the one bogey on his way to the lead.

After pars on his opening two holes he began his assault with four birdies in his next six.

Playing the back nine first, the Queenslander knocked birdies into the cup on the 12th, 14th, 16th and 17th holes and made the turn at four under the card with an impressive 32.

His broomstick putter working a treat in the difficult conditions.

The 31-year-old’s first birdie was from nine feet but he then holed efforts from 29, 12 and 19 feet to create an early gap on the field.

When he attacked the pin on the first, his 10th, with a brilliant eight iron to just four feet the charge was well and truly on.

Scott jammed in the eagle putt and backed it up with an eight-foot birdie roll on the next hole to create a hefty buffer.

His first blemish came on his 15th hole of the day where he missed a five-foot par putt and dropped a shot, allowing the chasing pack to get within range.

But Dufner was the only serious challenger, grabbing a last hole birdie to join Scott at the top.

“Obviously I’m very satisfied with the round today especially in these conditions,” Scott said.

“I took advantage of my good play the first 11 or 12 holes and then managed to kind of get it up and down here and there coming in.

“I’m very pleased to put myself in the tournament so far. It’s a good way to start.

“The last few years I’ve really got my head around this golf course and how to play it.

“I feel comfortable here. I look forward to coming here because it feels like you want to get playing good now. There’s a lot to play for here and in the upcoming weeks.”

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, making his first start since ascending to the world No.1 spot, opened with a one-over par 73.

Tiger Woods tapped in for eagle at his opening hole but found the going tougher the rest of the way en route to an even par 72.

Aaron Baddeley was the next best Australian with a three under 69 leaving him tied fifth.

Greg Chalmers had an impressive round clicking before posting a bogey and double bogey on his final two holes to fall to a one under 71 and a tie for 21st.

Geoff Ogilvy (73), Jason Day (73), John Senden (76) and Marcus Fraser (76) had their struggles and will all need to improve to contend.