Nick Watney raced into an early lead in the first round of the AT&T National Pro-am at Pebble Beach on Thursday.

The American was seven under par through 12 holes thanks to five birdies and an eagle three at the seventh.

Dustin Johnson was a shot behind following a flying start.

He eagled the par-four third and par-five sixth on his way to six under through his first six holes.

Josh Teater, South Korean Bae Sang-moon and JJ Killeen were hot on their heels on five under, through 11, 10 and eight holes respectively.

Tiger Woods made a steady start on his first appearance in America this year.

The former world number one was one under through six, making two straight birdies before a bogey five at 13th dropped him back.

Scotland's Martin Laird was the highest-placed Briton on the leaderboard after going through nine holes in three under.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington, playing for the first time in the States since last September was level par through 12.