Australian golfer Adam Scott putted nicely to earn a share of second place, two strokes behind American leader Bubba Watson after the opening round of the Bridgestone Invitational in U.S., Australia's media reported on Friday.

"I'm really pleased with today, no bogeys, because it's certainly been a while for me since I had a round like that," Scott told The Australian after avoiding a dreaded three-putt on his way to a four-under-par 66 in ideal conditions at Firestone in the 8.5 million U.S. dollars tournament.

On a day when defending champion Tiger Woods shot a shocking 74, his career highest score in 45 rounds at Firestone in U.S., Scott was much more assured.

According to The Australian, the 30-year-old Scott has struggled with his short putting for much of his career, but seems to be on the right path after switching to the cross-handed method the week after the U.S. Open in June.

"I've really struggled confidence-wise with the putting but the little bit of work I've done since the (British) Open has paid off I think," said Scott, who headed the small Australian contingent in the World Golf Championships event.

Australian Jason Day was next best after a birdie at his final hole for one-under 69, Geoff Ogilvy carded a roller-coaster 71, Marcus Fraser 72, while Stuart Appleby shot 74, a mere 15 strokes more than his historic final round at last week's Greenbrier Classic.