American Nick Watney had nine birdies and no bogeys on Thursday to take a two-point lead after the first round of the US PGA Tour event in Reno.
The tournament uses the Modified Stableford scoring system, awarding points for birdies and eagles and deducting points for bogeys and worse.
Watney's effort gave him a total of 18 points and a good start toward a sixth career victory on the US tour, where he hasn't lifted a trophy since The Barclays in 2012.
"I'm very pleased with the way I played today, and this is pretty close to home," Watney said.
Australia's Geoff Ogilvy and New Zealand's Tim Wilkinson were tied for second on 16 points, while Scotland's Martin Laird and American Chad Campbell shared fourth on 13 points at Montreux Golf and Country Club.
There is a four-way tie for sixth between Kevin Chappell, John Huh, John Rollins and Wes Roach at 12 points.
Ogilvy, whose seven PGA Tour wins include the 2006 US Open title, also had a bogey-free round to put himself in contention for a first US title since 2010.
Wilkinson's nine birdies included four in a row from the 10th through the 14th, but also had two bogeys.
Under the scoring system, players receive eight points for an albatross, five points for an eagle, two points for a birdie and zero for a par. A player loses one point for a bogey and two points for a double-bogey or worse.
Share
