Molder and Durant share lead

Bryce Molder has struggled during his first full year on the PGA Tour, but the four-time All-American at Georgia Tech may be getting closer to breaking through for his first victory.

The 22-year-old carded a seven-under-par 63 and shares the lead with Joe Durant after the first round of the Byron Nelson Classic.

Esteban Toledo, Nick Price, Frank Lickliter, David Gossett and Lee Janzen all are tied for third at six-under. Eleven players are within two shots of the lead.

Birdies were plentiful as 33 players shot 67 or better, but Tiger Woods did not share in the wealth as the Masters champion shot a one-over 71.

Arkansas native Molder gained a share of the lead by shooting a five-under 30 on the back nine at the host TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas course. He made a dramatic closing charge, grabbing birdies on six of the final eight holes.

On Wednesday, Byron Nelson, the tournament’s 90-year-old host, called Woods the best player ever, but Woods appeared rusty in his first appearance since winning his third Masters title three weeks ago.

While Woods, who captured the Byron Nelson Classic in 1997, can never be counted out of any tournament, he will have to come from far back in the pack after his round left him tied for 97th.

The tournament also is being played on the Cottonwood Valley Course. Both courses are par-70 layouts.