Castro in Front at AT&T National


Robert Castro got off to a nice start in the AT&T National. The 28-year-old Texan carded a 5-under 6 to take a two-stroke lead in the $6.5 million invitational event, which began Thursday at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

Castro, who's seeking his first Tour title, began play on the 10th tee. After carding two birdies and a bogey to make the turn in 1-under 34, he added four birdies on his home half to go up by two over Billy Horschel, Bud Cauley and Canada's Graham DeLaet.

Castro's round was aided by him needing only 23 putts. He also managed to generally stay in the short grass off the tee because, otherwise, big penalties await. "The rough's brutal," he told PGATour.com. "We probably were 50 percent you'd get it up to the green and 50 percent pitching out."

Horschel agreed there are similarities between Congressional and Merion Golf Club, site of the U.S. Open two weeks ago. "It's like another U.S. Open," Horschel told PGATour.com. "Off the fairways, the rough is thick. Tough to hit the ball on the green.

"Fortunately, the greens are soft, so they're really receptive. It's still a tough golf course. Got to drive the ball really well here (to) give yourself opportunities."

Three shots back are Americans Ben Kohles, Jim Furyk, Russell Henley, Brandt Snedeker, Jordan Spieth and James Driscoll, along with Belgium's Nicolas Colsaerts and Argentina's Fabian Gomez.

Furyk was one of the players surprised by the tough conditions in the first round at Congressional. "I was scratching my head going, wow, the scores are pretty tough today," he told PGATour.com. "Then I was kind of excited because I had some opportunities in front of me.

"It's not a U.S. Open, where you can't advance the ball, but it's difficult in spots," Furyk said. "There are some key spots where you have to hit the ball on the fairway."

Last week's winner in the Travelers Championship, Ken Duke, opened with a 71.

The day's high score was by Davis Love III, who shot an 83. Love later withdrew Thursday, citing a hip injury. Rory Sabbatini pulled out of the tournament before starting play due to a back injury.

Defending champion Tiger Woods is not entered this week as he's recovering from an injury to his left elbow. The tournament is a fundraiser for his Tiger Woods Foundation. Also not playing is reigning U.S. Open Justin Rose, who cited fatigue and decided to withdraw beforehand.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html.