CHICAGO, United States (AFP) — American Jonathan Byrd rolled in three birdies in the last four holes to card a seven-under 64 and take a one-shot lead after the first round of the PGA BMW Championship on Thursday.
Byrd, who rallied past England's Justin Rose over the final holes, needed just 24 putts on the day after beginning his round on the 10th tee.
"I felt good about my game and made a few extra putts," Byrd said. "I've played well all year, won a tournament and have had a lot of good finishes."
After bogeying the par-three second hole, Byrd rebounded with four birdies over the next six holes - including three straight from six to eight. He also birdied 10, 12, 15 and 16.
Rose stumbled late to slip one stroke off the pace at six-under 65. Colombian Camilo Villegas also fired a 65.
One of just three British players in the 66-man field, Rose carded eight birdies in the first 11 holes on a warm morning at Cog Hill.
Rose had a four-stroke lead at one point but could not maintain the momentum, running up two late bogeys.
"It was a dream start today," Rose said. "I hit a few shots close, had some nice little tap ins and was four-under through six holes without making a putt.
"It's always disappointing when you're eight-under through 11 and you finish six-under, but it's certainly not an easy course.
"There were some tough holes coming in, and I was a little bit in between clubs."
He still is two shots ahead of Tiger Woods, whose round was marred by a double-bogey on the 18th hole. The world No 1 is three shots off the lead at four-under.
Despite his lofty world ranking of 15, Rose is still seeking his first career PGA victory, and he could hardly have hoped for a better start.
Making the turn at six-under, he continued to attack starting the back nine, adding birdies at the next two holes.
But the birdies dried up after that, with bogeys at the par-five 15th and par-four 18th not exactly what he had in mind.
This event is the third in the new four-tournament FedEx Cup playoff series. Only 30 players will advance to next week's Tour Championship.
Rose - ranked 23rd - is certain to be among them, while Byrd (30th) and Luke Donald (28th) in the standings, need good weeks to get through.
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