Campbell sets early pace in Honda Classic

Florida: Chad Campbell overcame a slow start in chilly conditions to shoot an 8-under-par 64 for a two-stroke lead after one round at the Honda Classic on Thursday. Half of the 144-player field at the Country Club at Mirasol Palm Beach Gardens finished before noon on Thursday. Among those early starters, only Chad Campbell shot better than 69, a reflection of the tough morning conditions. Windy day Skies were clear, but winds exceeded 15 mph at the start, and with the grass still spongy from daylong rain on Wednesday, the 7,468-yard course played long. Campbell holed a 70-yard wedge to eagle the par-5 17, and on the front side he birdied six holes, including the last two with putts of 25 and 15 feet. Robert Allenby was among a group of 14 players at 3 under par 69. England's Justin Rose was also among that group after his bogey-free round. Better strokes Six-time major championship winner Nick Faldo began his PGA season with an opening round of 71. Defending champion Todd Hamilton was among the large group at 3 under after his workmanlike round. Aaron Baddeley, who finished in the top 10 in his last two starts, was tied for fourth after his opening round of 68. Sweden's Jesper Parnevik, whose last Tour victory was at the 2001 Honda, was one stroke better at 67. (AP)