Reifers leads the Zurich Classic

NEW ORLEANS, April 19 (UPI) -- Rookie Kyle Reifers Thursday shot 8-under-par 64 to capture the first-round lead at the PGA's Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

The tournament returns this year to the Tournament Players Club of Louisiana, whose course was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, causing the cancellation of the scheduled 2006 event.

The 23-year-old Reifers, who won his first start on the Nationwide Tour last year, shot his best round as a pro.

"I've been playing well, I just haven't really got much out of my rounds," he said after the round. "I've grinded a few out, but I can kind of feel my game coming around."

Mark Calcavecchia parred his final four holes to close at 6-under 66, and is alone in second place.

Jason Schultz, Lucas Glover, Tom Johnson and Tim Petrovic are tied for third at 5-under 67.