Share
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Justin Rose shot a 7-under 65 Thursday in the opening round of the Children's Miracle Network Classic, edging upstart Rickie Fowler for the lead.
Rose was bogey-free on a breezy day with a steady morning drizzle and temperatures dipping into the low 50s, making greens soft but tough to reach. Fowler, Greg Owen and Casey Wittenberg were one shot back at Disney World in the final PGA Tour event of the season.
Fowler, 20, is making only his third start since turning pro from Oklahoma State. He can join Tiger Woods as one of the few players to go from college to receiving full status on tour in the same year by earning enough money on sponsor exemptions.
"It's nothing special," he said. "I'm not doing anything different really, just kind of playing golf. I'm just making less mistakes."
Defending champ Davis Love III withdrew with neck pain after shooting a 1-over 73. But the pressure was mounting for others to secure their tour cards for next year.
Former world No. 1 David Duval was among those in danger of losing their full status. Duval shot a 4-over 76 and was tied for next to last in 124th place.
ELSEWHERE
LPGA: Song-Hee Kim shot a 7-under 65 in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational to take a two-stroke lead over Jiyai Shin, Paula Creamer and Mariajo Uribe - and a six-shot advantage over the top-ranked Ochoa.
Kim had six birdies on the first 10 holes at Guadalajara (Mexico) Country Club and also birdied the last to top the 36-player field. Winless in three seasons on the LPGA Tour, she's trying to become the ninth South Korean to win this year.
Shin, a three-time winner this season and the money leader, has already won the rookie of the year award and leads Ochoa in the player of the year race. Ochoa shot a 71, making three birdies and two bogeys. on her home course.
EUROPEAN/ASIAN: Udorn Duangdecha shot an 8-under 62 behind 10 birdies to lead Robert-Jan Derksen of the Netherlands by one stroke after the first round of the Hong Kong Open.
The little-known Thai qualifier has one top 10 Asian Tour finish in his career.
Observer news services
