The Associated Press

LEMONT, Ill. - Loren Roberts can still show the youngsters a thing or two.

The 49-year-old shot a bogey-free 7-under 64 Thursday, matching his best round of the year, and held on for the first-round lead at the Western Open. Former champion Robert Allenby is one stroke back after birdies on his last three holes, the only player to make a charge in the afternoon.

"I played real solid, tee to green," Roberts said. "I hit the ball extremely well as far as putting it where I wanted it and hit a lot of greens. I drove the ball in the fairway just about every hole. If you're going to make some putts, it equates to a low score."

Reigning British Open champion Ben Curtis leads a group three strokes back at 4-under 67. Defending champion Tiger Woods broke out a new, graphite driver with a larger club head, but it wasn't the answer for his sluggish game. He closed out a lackluster round with a bogey on the final hole, finishing at 1-under 70.