Crowded at the Top of Wyndham Championship


American Chris Stroud and England's Ross Fisher both recorded 6-under 64s to take the first-round lead in the Wyndham Championship. The $5.3 million PGA Tour event got underway Thursday at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C.

Stroud, a 31-year-old Texan in search of his first Tour victory, posted eight birdies and two bogeys, while Fisher, a 32-year-old with four European Tour titles but none in the States, had four birdies and an eagle.

Stroud admitted after his round he has an affinity for the Sedgefield layout. "I've even told people I love this golf course," he told PGATour.com. "I have no idea why I don't play well here. Maybe because I don't hit it in the fairway very often like I did today.

"But there's just some good, sharp lines off the tee you got to hit. If you don't, you're going to be in the rough and have a tough time, especially with the greens as firm as they are."

Lurking only a stroke behind the leaders after 65s are Australia's Matt Jones, South African Trevor Immelman and Americans Robert Garrigus, Andrew Svoboda, Jordan Spieth, Morgan Hoffman and Patrick Reed.

Also at that number is defending champion Sergio Garcia, who's seeking to become the first repeat winner in Greensboro since Sam Snead in the 1950s.

The 33-year-old Spaniard was happy with his start. "Obviously I made some good two-putts from long range," he told PGATour.com.

"I did hit the ball pretty nicely which was nice to see and holed a couple nice putts here and there. But, overall, I'm very happy with the round and hoping to do some of the same, more of the same tomorrow."

Two back of the co-leaders are Australians John Senden and Stuart Appleby along with Americans Bryce Molder, Chris Kirk and Charles Howell III.

A whopping total of 18 players carded 3-under 67s.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/wyndham-championship/leaderboard.html.