So much for that notion that American golfers don't travel well.

The first World Golf Championship in Asia opened yesterday to a leader board filled with Stars & Stripes, led by wide-eyed Nick Watney and his 8-under 64 that tied the course record at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai and including, as always, Tiger Woods.

Ryan Moore wasn't about to pass up a trip to China when he qualified by winning his first PGA Tour event in August. With a new equipment deal in place, he shot a 6-under 66 at Sheshan International Golf Club to join Shane Lowry of Ireland and Martin Kaymer of Germany in second.

Woods was frustrated by not knowing where his ball was going throughout a gorgeous afternoon. Still, he took care of the par 5s and made enough putts to get around in 67.

"It wasn't my best ball-striking round today for sure, but I made some putts, which was nice, and just managed my game well," he said.

Woods was joined by Anthony Kim, Paul Casey and Lin Wen-tang of Taiwan, giving some local flavor to Asia's biggest tournament.

Matt Kuchar and Pat Perez were among those at 68, while Phil Mickelson, Jason Dufner and Brian Gay checked in at 69. Of the top 20 on the leader board through the opening round, nine were Americans.

n Michelle Wie will end her season in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, the final Ladies European Tour event Dec. 9-12. The 20-year-old from Hawaii played this year as an LPGA Tour member for the first time and is No. 17 on the money list.

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