Published>Fri, Jan 29 10 05:29 AM
American Ben Crane made the most of ideal scoring conditions on the southern California coastline to surge into a share of the early lead in the San Diego Open first round on Thursday.
With hardly a breath of wind on a glorious sun-drenched day, Crane fired a seven-under-par 65 on the North Course, one of two layouts hosting the fourth PGA Tour event of the year.
Crane recorded eight birdies and a lone bogey to finish level with little-known compatriot Chris Tidland and Japan's Ryuji Imada, who also tackled the North layout.
American Tom Pernice opened with a bogey-free 66 on the North while Australian Robert Allenby, who started out on the more difficult and much longer South Course, was among a group of five bunched on 67.
Tournament favourite and three-times champion Phil Mickelson, who also began on the South, carded a two-under 70.
Crane, a double winner on the PGA Tour, was delighted to tee off in the second group of the morning on the picturesque 6,986-yard North layout.
"Getting off early on the North Course certainly helps," the 33-year-old told reporters. "The greens are in great shape the earlier you play and I was able to make some good putts today.
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