Bryant leads at PODS Championship

Bart Bryant held a one-shot lead after the rain-shortened first round of the PODS Championship in Florida.

Bryant fired a six-under-par 65 at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, holing six birdies – including a pair on his final two holes – in a bogey-free round.

Play was halted due to rain with 82 golfers still on the course.

Kenny Perry, Jeff Maggert and Stewart Cink all are one stroke behind Bryant at five-under 66, while Lee Janzen was at five-under through 15 holes before rain halted play.

Fred Couples finished two-under in his first start since being named 2009 US Presidents Cup captain. Only once before has he competed in the PODS Championship, tying for 14th in the inaugural edition in 2000.

Defending champion Mark Calcavecchia was at one-under through 13 holes before rain ended his day.

Ernie Els, who posted his first PGA Tour title in three years, four months and 29 days when he was victorious in The Honda Classic last week, was even-par through six holes.