PGA Tour rookie Shawn Stefani fired six birdies in a flawless 65 to seize a two-shot lead after the opening round of the US$5.5 million Tampa Bay Championship on Thursday.
The 31-year-old American is coming off a season-best tie for 39th at the Puerto Rico Open last week.
“I wasn’t really starting the day with a lot expectations,” said Stefani after notching six birdies, noting that he just wanted “to go out and have fun and hit some good shots.”
Brian Harman posted a bogey on his final hole and is alone in second at four-under 67 on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club.
Harris English shot a three-under 68 and is tied in third with two other Americans, Tag Ridings and Brendan Steele. English had been on course for second spot on the leaderboard before a double bogey on his last hole.
Two-time champion K.J. Choi, of South Korea, and Fiji’s 2004 winner Vijay Singh both carded two-under 69s.