Rose takes early lead at Memorial

Rose is currently ranked 66th in the world

England's Justin Rose hit a seven-under-par first-round 65 to lead the weather-delayed Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village in Ohio.

Rose, still searching for his first PGA title, leads a group of four which includes American Phil Mickelson and South Africa's Rory Sabbatini.

Rose hit eight birdies and was in better form then when he finished joint 71st at Colonial last Sunday.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy also got round on Thursday, carding a 72.

However, many players are not expected to complete their first rounds, including world number one Tiger Woods, who did not make the best of starts in his delayed bid to find his way back to top form.

He dropped shots at the first and sixth, but managed to birdie the ninth to leave him one over at the turn.

Rose was clearly happy with his own efforts on a course he has previously claimed two top-five finishes, including runner-up to American Kenny Perry two years ago.

"I feel like I've been comfortable with my game for a number of weeks, and I'm not really trying to do anything different," he said.

"This is a tournament that I feel like I should have won, for sure.

606: DEBATE Super stuff from Rose, but of course he is notorious for having great Thursday/Friday rounds only to falter over the week-end John Cregan

"I always feel comfortable when I do get here. I like all the tee shots, and the greens are so pure here that if you do get a putting stroke going, you're going to make some putts."

Mickelson, who can take world number one spot with victory here, scored a bogey-free round of 67, a score matched by Sabbatini along with American Michael Letzig and Argentine Andres Romero.

It marks an instant return to form for Mickelson, who missed the cut at Colonial, as he looks to claim his first victory on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course.

"I told Jack yesterday it would really mean a lot to me to win his tournament," said Mickelson. "This golf course is wonderful."

South African Ernie Els endured a frustrating round, which appeared to be going so well after 33 on the opening nine but was ruined by five bogeys after the turn to give him a score of 74.

Englishman Brian Davis was one under for his first round after carding a 71.

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