O'Hern Goes Low in Frys.com Open


Aussie Nick O'Hern fired a 9-under 62 to take the lead after 18 holes of the Frys.com Open. The $5 million PGA Tour event started Thursday at CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, Calif.

Starting on the 10th hole, the 40-year-old from Perth carded four birdies on his front nine and five more on the back en route to tying the course record and forging a three-shot lead over Jhonattan Vegas, Derek Ernst and Nicolas Colsaerts.

The left-hander O'Hern, who entered the tournament racked 144th on the money list, hit 14 of 18 greens and had just 23 putts. A victory in the tournament, which is worth $900,000, would get him well into the top-125 and secure a Tour card for 2013.

Vegas' best finish this year in 23 starts is a tie for fourth in the AT&T National. The 28-year-old Venezuelan ranks 112th on the money list and is another player who needs a high finish this week to keep his card. "It was definitely a phenomenal round today," Vegas said.

"It was really the best solid round I've had all year from the beginning to the end from birdieing the fifth hole and birdieing two of the last three," added Vegas. "So it was great. Wind blowing not as much as some of the other days, so stroked it really well and made some good putts and had a good round."

Charles Howell III, John Mallinger, Jonas Blixt, Gary Woodland and Greg Owen posted 66s for a share of fourth.

"Yeah, obviously a win would be great, but I set out a goal before Fall Series to try to get in the top 70 so I can get into invitationals next year," said Mallinger, who's ranked 98th on the money list. "Coming off a weird year last year."

"It's been a long year," noted the 43-year-old Howell, 94th on the money list and a two-time Tour winner. "But, you know, I mean, I played last week in Vegas. I'm going to play the entire Fall Series. This is a wonderful spot here. Everybody has something to play for. I think a win for everybody would make the year, but we'll take what we get."

Defending champion Bryce Molder carded an even-par 71 and shares 49th place.

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