Australian Nick O’Hern shot a nine-under 62 on Thursday to take a three-stroke lead after the opening round of the Frys.com Open US PGA Tour event.
O’Hern had eight birdies in an 11-hole stretch and capped the bogey-free round with a birdie on the par-5 ninth hole at CordeValle Golf Club.
Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts and Jhonattan Vegas from Venezeula were tied for second after carding six-under 65s.
Ryder Cup player Colsaerts is trying to earn a PGA Tour card. As a special temporary member, he needs to finish the equivalent of 125th on the money list to earn a full 2013 card. The Belgian player has earned $652,886, enough now for the 120th spot.
Charles Howell III, John Mallinger, Jonas Blixt, Gary Woodland and Greg Owen shot 66s to be at equal fourth.
British Open champion Ernie Els opened with a 71 in the Fall Series event.