LA QUINTA, Calif., Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Fred Funk, who at age 48 is coming off his third straight $2 million season, shared the first-round lead Wednesday at the Bob Hope Classic.
In a five-day tournament always highlighted by low scores, Funk shot an 8-under 64 to share first place with Robert Damron, Ted Purdy, Duffy Waldorf and Joe Ogilvie.
Fred Couples was one shot off the lead, as was Franklin Langham, Justin Rose, Neal Lancaster and Nick Watney.
Phil Mickelson was among those at 66
The 128-man field was scattered around four courses in the pro-am format and only 13 players shot over par Wednesday. David Duval, hoping to regain the form that made him one of the world's leading players, was last after shooting an 82.
Funk had six top-10 finishes last year, broke a six-year victory drought, finished 29th on the money list and played in the Ryder Cup for the first time.
None of the top three players in the world -- Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods or Ernie Els -- are playing this week.
