GRAND BLANC, Michigan (Ticker) -- Tiger Woods opened a four-shot midway through the Buick Open on Friday, carding a flawless 9-under-par 63 that could have been even better.

The world's top-ranked player, Woods opened this PGA Championship tune-up with a 5-under 67 on Thursday and began to pull away from the field Friday with a bogey-free round that included seven birdies and an eagle.

"I stayed out of trouble," said Woods, who represents Buick. "I hit the ball well and I made some putts, which was nice."

At 14-under 130, Woods is four strokes better than Ryder Cup teammate Scott Verplank and J.J. Henry, who are miles away from a player seeking his 33rd PGA Tour title.

The lead could have been even bigger, but Woods missed four makeable birdie putts on the back nine, including an eight-footer at the 18th. He fell just two strokes shy of Billy Mayfair's course record.

"If you get the ball in play, you can shoot some low numbers," Woods said of the Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club.

Woods, whose run at an unprecedented Grand Slam ended last month at the British Open, is preparing for next week's PGA Championship at Hazeltine in Minnesota.

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