Golf

Patrick Reed takes one-shot lead after opening round in California

Stunning round of 63 equals American golfer’s career low

Patrick Reed lines up a putt on the ninth hole of the Arnold Palmer Course at PGA West during the first round of the Humana Challenge in La Quinta, California. Photograph: Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Patrick Reed lines up a putt on the ninth hole of the Arnold Palmer Course at PGA West during the first round of the Humana Challenge in La Quinta, California. Photograph: Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Fri Jan 17 2014 - 09:57

Patrick Reed took a one-shot lead on the opening day of the Humana Challenge in California after an unblemished nine-under-par round.

Reed, a third-year professional who claimed his maiden, and so far only, PGA Tour victory at the Wyndham Championship in August last year, carded a superb 63, which equalled his career-low round, at the PGA West resort’s Palmer course.

That was enough for him to take the outright lead at the tournament formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic, which is being played across three different courses.

“I felt like there were some things I could have improved on, but at the same time whenever you tap in for par on the last hole and shoot 63, you’re pretty happy,” Reed said.

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Beginning on the back nine, Reed opened in solid fashion with two birdies in his opening six holes.

The American then charged into the lead with five consecutive birdies from the 16th before picking up another two shots at the sixth and seventh holes.

Compatriot Ryan Palmer, who also played on the Palmer course, was just one shot back, as were Justin Hicks and Daniel Summerhays, playing on the neighbouring Nicklaus course at PGA West, and Charley Hoffman on La Quinta.

Zach Johnson was ominously placed on seven under as he continued his marvellous start to 2014.

The 2007 Masters champion and three-time Ryder Cup player began the year by winning the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua before finishing in a share of eighth at last week’s Sony Open, also in Hawaii.

His 65 on La Quinta contained no bogeys although he needed a birdie at the last to earn a position in the overnight top 10.

Also in a tie for sixth were fellow Americans Matt Every, Hudson Swafford and Bill Haas as well as South Korea's Charlie Wi and Russell Knox of Scotland.