Martin Kaymer ties course record to lead Players Championship

Martin Kaymer recorded an opening round of 63 to tie the course record on his way to a two-shot lead in the Players Championship.

The former world number one, who has not recorded a victory since November 2011, hit just 29 shots on his back nine in a bogey-free round at TPC Sawgrass.

Kaymer's efforts saw him climb above Russell Henley, who had recorded six birdies on his own back nine earlier in the day to finish his round on seven-under-par.

Bae Sang-Moon is a shot further back in third place, with a large number of players trailing behind on five-under.

Ryder Cup winners Lee Westwood, Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia are all four shots adrift of Kaymer, but Rory McIlroy endured a difficult second half to his round as he carded 70 on day one.