Leaderboard crowded at top of Northern Trust

Retief Goosen and Vijay Singh, among the top five players in the world a decade ago, were part of a five-way tie for the lead in the Northern Trust Open in what amounted to “throwback Thursday” at Riviera.
The 51-year-old Singh, who plays the occasional Champions Tour event, picked up four birdies on the back nine for a 5-under 66, his lowest opening round on the PGA Tour since the 2012 McGladrey Classic. The three-time major champion and former world No. 1 has not won since 2008.
Goosen, a two-time U.S. Open champion who turned 47 this month, was slowed by a pair of sloppy bogeys early on the back nine until he made a pair of late birdies to join Singh at 66. Goosen hasn’t won since 2009.
They played in the game group with 28-year-old Brian Harman, who shot a 78.
“It was nice to see the two old boys play pretty good,” Goosen said.
Pebble Beach runner-up Nick Watney, kept up his form with an eagle on the opening hole on his way to a 66. James Hahn and Daniel Summerhays joined them in the lead among early starters on an overcast morning that turned into mild sunshine, typical of the weather on this wondrous West Coast Swing.
Woods out of Honda Classic: Tiger Woods will not be playing the Honda Classic next week.
The decision was not a surprise. Woods said last week his game was not acceptable for tournament golf and that he would not play again until he felt like it was. His agent confirmed in an email that he would not be playing the Honda Classic.
Woods has played only two tournaments this year. He had a career-high 82 in the Phoenix Open and missed the cut by 12 shots. The following week at Torrey Pines, he withdrew after 11 holes because of tightness in his back.
Woods said that was not related to back surgery he had last spring.