LA QUINTA, Calif., Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Bob Tway eagled his second hole Wednesday on the way to a 9-under-par 63 and a share of the lead after the opening round of the Bob Hope Classic.
Just five days after missing the cut in his season debut at the Phoenix Open, Tway joined Stephen Ames and Matt Gogel atop the leaderboard at this 90-hole event -- played on four courses in the California desert.
"I think the biggest difference is two rounds playing there and a few more practice rounds on the weekend and coming over here and playing," Tway said. "I think I had not played for about three months. And even though I practiced in the offseason, it still wasn't the same as playing tournaments."
Two-time champion John Cook shot a 64 and was tied for third with Chris DiMarco. David Duval, the 1999 winner, was another stroke back in his season debut.
Defending champion Phil Mickelson opened with a 2-under 70 but was seven strokes off the pace.
The other courses being used this week are Bermuda Dunes, Indian Wells and La Quinta, which will host the final round.
