FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD:
-7 J Rose (Eng) -6 R Fowler (US), G Owen (Eng), C Wittenberg (US)
-5 W MacKenzie (US), M Bettencourt (US), C Kresge (US), Z Johnson (US), R Price (US), K Blanks (US) Selected others: -4 J Leonard (US)

Rose leads the board at the Disney Classic in Florida

Justin Rose fired three birdies in his opening five holes at the Disney Classic to put him in contention to win his first PGA Tour event.

The former European number one finished on seven under par with a score of 65.

"Although the courses aren't the most difficult in the world, it was tricky out there because of the gusting winds," said the Englishman.

His compatriot Greg Owen shot a 66 to join Americans Rickie Fowler and Casey Wittenberg in second on six under.

Owen's round consisted of seven birdies and a bogey, and he also felt the weather had an effect on play.

"It's unusual, very unusual," said Owen. "A couple of weeks ago it was 95 degrees (35C). It's a nice change but hopefully it'll warm up a little bit."

Australian Matt Jones and former Open winner David Duval are among the big names struggling to make the cut.

One man who definitely will not be in the next round is Davis Love III, who withdrew with a neck injury after shooting a round of 73.

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