Owen leads British challenge

England’s Greg Owen was Britain’s best early performer in the early stages of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

He was two under par after 10 holes, four shots off the pace set by American duo Jason Schultz and John Mallinger.

India’s Arjun Atwal, South Africa’s Brendon de Jonge and American Nick Watney were one stroke behind Schultz.

Three courses are used in the pro-am format, with Schultz playing Spyglass Hill.

The tour rookie began on the 10th hole and made birdies on three of his first four holes, adding two more for an outward 31, then making a birdie on his 10th hole.

Atwal, de Jonge and Mallinger were all playing at Pebble Beach, with Watney at Poppy Hills. All three courses are expected to get at least half an inch of rain in the next three days.