Scott cranked out the 10-under par round including two eagles to match his hero Greg Norman’s record from 1984, when he levelled American Andy Bean’s mark.
Scott takes a three-shot lead into the second round and should he win the tournament he could mathmatically go into his next tournament as the world’s top-ranked player.
That tournament will be The Masters, the tournament he spectacularly won last year, should Woods not play until Augusta.
“Obviously I’m really thrilled with the start today. I think to make it to number one in anything is an incredible achievement, it’s a big world and there are a lot of people doing this,” Scott said.
“One week at number one would pale in significance to someone like the dominance of Tiger and some other guys but it’s a start and you’re heading in the right direction.
“I’ve got a chance, I’ve got to play hard for the next three days, but there is no better motivation than to win this tournament, shake Arnold’s hand and have a chance at world number one.”
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