Lamely storms into first round lead

American Derek Lamely carded a nine-under-par 63 to claim a one-shot lead after the first round of the Bob Hope Classic yesterday.

Lamely fired an eagle, nine birdies and two bogeys on the Palmer Course at PGA West, one of four courses used for the 90-hole event.

A nominee for rookie of the year in 2010 after winning the Puerto Rico Open, Lamely came home in just 29 shots to overtake former Ryder Cup player JJ Henry at the top of the leaderboard.

Henry carded a round of 64 on the Nicklaus Course at PGA West and was joined on eight under by Jhonattan Vegas from Venezuela.

“I really felt refreshed to start this year,” said Henry, who is playing his first event since September last year.

“I’m excited about 2011. I really feel comfortable, confident and hit a lot of good shots out there today. It was nice to get off to the start I did.”

Henry started in style by holing out for an eagle on the opening hole and added on www.pgatour.com: “I had a perfect number with a wedge and you’re a little nervous, tight, haven’t played a tournament in four months and it’s a pretty tight pin.

“But I hit this perfect shot that never left the flag and went right in the middle of the hole.”

On a day of low scoring, six players were a shot further back on seven under, including Boo Weekley and Sweden’s Fredrik Jacobson.

England’s Brian Davis was four shots off the pace on five under, with Scotland’s Martin Laird another stroke adrift.

Only 14 of the 128-strong field finished the day over par, including Sweden’s Jesper Parnevik (73) and American Brad Faxon, who was joint last on five over.