JL Lewis shoots 62 to take a two-shot lead

Orlando, Florida:

J.L. Lewis shot a 10-under par 62 for his best-ever start on the PGA Tour and a two-shot lead at the Funai Classic at Disney in Florida on Thursday. Lewis had a birdie putt on every hole and made 11 of them on the Magnolia course to match the lowest round of his career. The only frustration was a 12-foot putt that lipped out on his 16th hole and a 5-footer that he missed on the 18th. Two-time Disney champion John Huston, Mark Hensby and Scott Hend each had a 64, while two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal was among those at 65. Scores are usually low on Thursday at the Funai Classic at Disney. As a result, hardly anyone was satisfied with what they shot in the opening round. World number one Vijay Singh got off to a solid start in his bid to win a fourth straight PGA Tour event, which would push him over the US$10 million mark for the year. He had a bogey-free, six under par 66, then retreated to the practice range in balmy sunshine and spent a few hours searching for the slightest imperfections in his swing. Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal was also bogey-free and was among three players at seven under par 65. Paraguay's Carlos Franco was three under par for the round, but struck the ball consistently and perhaps should have scored better. Eight other players joined Singh in the group on 66, including former British Open champion Ben Curtis, Wachovia winner Joey Sindelar and the resurgent Tom Lehman. Stephen Ames was one stroke better, tied at seven under par with Olazabal and Briny Baird. American John Huston had ten birdies and two bogeys on his way to a round of eight under par 64. But the day belonged to J.L Lewis. He birdied his first four holes to establish his name at the top the leaderboard. He also birdied five of the first six holes on his back nine to separate himself from the other early starters, before waiting to see if anyone could catch him. Despite missing a five-foot putt on the 18th, no one could catch Lewis, who takes a two-stroke lead into Friday's second round. (AP)