Late Birdie Ties Spieth for Lead at Crowne Plaza Invitational


Dallas native Jordan Spieth sank a 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to take a share of the overnight lead at the Crowne Plaza Invitational. The $6.5 million PGA Tour event began on a wet Thursday at Colonial Country Club in Ft. Worth.

Due to heavy overnight rains that extended into Thursday morning, there was a 2 hour, 40 minute delay before the start of the first round. At first, it didn't look like the field would finish before night fell, but all 122 players were able to.

The birdie was Spieth's sixth of the day, giving the reigning Masters champion a 6-under 64 and a share of the 18-hole lead with fellow Americans Kevin Na and Boo Weekley and Japan's Ryo Ishikawa.

Because of the wet conditions the field was allowed to play lift, clean and place. "We couldn't have had better scoring conditions today. Just the wind died down, and you could just throw darts, and they were landing and stopping," Spieth told reporters. "I'd like to play golf in this weather the rest of my life."

George McNeill and Ian Poulter were another stroke back after carding 65s, while nine others had 66s. Defending champion Adam Scott opened with a 72.

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