Smyth helps set early pace in Texas

Ireland’s Des Smyth grabbed a share of the lead after the first round of the Champions Tour Administaff Small Business Classic in Texas.

He fired a seven-under-par 65 to join Jay Haas and Morris Hatalsky at the top of the leaderboard.

Smyth, looking for his third victory of the season, carded a bogey-free round with seven birdies, includinga two-putt from 70feet on the last.

“This is the type of round I like to play. I love to play a round without a bogey,” Smyth said. “I’ve gone cold lately so this was a nice change. There were perfect scoring conditions today.”

Hale Irwin, a four-time winner this year, Brad Bryant, Bobby Wadkins and Mark McNulty are a shot back.

Tour money leader Dana Quigley signed for a 74 while defending champion Larry Nelson opened with a three-over 75.