Tiger Woods at bottom of pack at Firestone; Retief Goosen opens an early lead

Goosen takes the lead as Tiger falters again

AKRON, Ohio — Just about any other tournament, Tiger Woods would be on his way home after missing the cut.

There is no cut in the Bridgestone Invitational, although Woods left immediately Friday after spraying shots around Firestone for a 2-over 72 that left him at the bottom of the pack in this World Golf Championship.

Two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen took advantage of another calm, overcast day for a 4-under 66 that gave him a two-shot lead over Justin Leonard among the early starters. Goosen was at 7-under 133.

Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Kenny Perry played in the afternoon.

Woods was at 6-over 146, 14 shots behind. He will lose his No. 1 ranking if Mickelson can finish fourth place or better.