 Clarke hit nine birdies in his round of 63 |
Ireland's Darren Clarke shot a nine-under-par 63 to lie one shot off the lead on day one of the Las Vegas Invitational. Stuart Appleby finished a mistake-free 10-under-par 62 with six straight birdies and Steve Flesch started the day with five consecutive birdies to match the Australian's score.
Clarke began on the back nine and fired five birdies before the turn and added four more on the way home.
Appleby and Flesch both shot their 62s at the Southern Highlands Golf Club, one of three courses used in the 90-hole pro-am.
The others are the host TPC at Summerlin, where Clarke played, and TPC at The Canyons.
Dan Forsman and Craig Barlow also fired 62s but their scores were on the par-71 Canyons course.
"Knowing how this week is, especially without any wind, you know it is going to be a shoot-out," Flesch said.
"Normally, you get a day or two of wind in Vegas and it keeps everybody honest.
"Anyone can play without wind, but wind will keep you honest. But I think this week is just going to be a shoot-out."
MMIX
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