Aussie Rod Pampling fired a five-under 67 to seize a one-shot lead after the opening round of the $3-million PGA Reno-Tahoe Open on Thursday.

Pampling rolled in four birdies on the back nine to lead a group of seven players, including Vaughn Taylor who has won twice. Marc Leishman of Australia and Kiwi Grant Waite also shot four-under 68.

Pampling said Thursday's high winds added to the challenge.

"There would be some times when you would hit a shot and have absolutely no wind. A minute later it's 20 miles an hour again," said Pampling.

"So it was kind of bizarre how it would be blowing so strong and then just totally stop. And then it would go a different way and then stop. Go a different way and stop.

"It was hard work. Myself and my caddie were definitely working overtime making sure we got the right club."

Former PGA Championship winners Paul Azinger, Steve Elkington and Shaun Micheel led a group of nine players at three-under 69. Defending Reno Open champ Parker McLachlin also shot 69 at the Montreux Golf and Country Club course.

The Reno event has a modest field this year as most of the PGA Tour's big names are competing at this week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron.

Pampling stepped up his play on Thursday after nailing a six-foot birdie putt at number four. He then sank a 10-footer for another birdie two holes later and posted his lone bogey at number nine. A bad tee shot by the two-time USPGA winner in high wind led to the bogey.

The Australian caught fire on the back nine, making four birdies in a five-hole run, beginning at No. 11.

He holed-out from the bunker at 13 for one of his shots of the day. It only counted for a par though.

His 67 marked the worst opening-round score by a leader in tournament history. The previous mark was 66.

"To post that number in these conditions," said Pampling. "I'm very happy with that."

AFP

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