Pampling sets pace in Colorado
Friday, 6 August 2004 08:12Rodney Pampling set the pace at the International with a seven-under-par 65 worth 15 points in the modified Stableford format at Castle Pines in Colorado.
The 34-year-old Australian is one point ahead of fellow countryman Geoff Ogilvy and Argentina's Jose Coceres.
Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal and American Tom Lehman are two points back.
Only half the field completed the first round due to an afternoon thunderstorm - a regular occurrence at this time of the year in the Rockies.
Pampling, who is famous for being the first-round leader at the 1999 Open only to miss the cut after a second-round 86, is in his third season on the PGA Tour.
He is currently 85th on this year's money list but arrived here having missed three cuts in his past four starts.
"At the moment my swing feels really nice," Pampling said. "Hitting every fairway, with the rough as thick as it is, that's a big bonus."
The highlight of Pampling's round was an eagle at the par-five 17th, where he hit a six-iron to 20 feet.
Defending champion Davis Love put in a solid display to earn eight points, while Ernie Els birdied the last to finish with four points.
Els is playing his first event since losing to Todd Hamilton in a play-off at last month's Open at Troon.
David Duval, in just his second start of the year, finished on minus-two points after three birdies, two bogeys and two holes of double-bogey or worse.
Under the format, players receive eight points for double eagle, five for eagle, two for birdie, zero for par, and lose one point for bogey and three for double bogey or worse.
Filed by Barry McEneaney
