O'Hair leads the Byron Nelson Classic

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IRVING, Texas, April 26 (UPI) -- Sean O'Hair shot 5-under-par 65 Thursday for a one-shot lead after the first round of the PGA's Byron Nelson Golf Classic at Irving, Texas.

"I feel like my game now is better than it has ever been," the 24-year-old O'Hair said after his best round of the year. "Finally, things are starting to snowball."

He played in a PGA event for the first time in 2004, finishing second to Ted Purdy, and went on to be named PGA Rookie of the Year in 2005.

Defending champion Brett Wetterich and Anders Hansen are tied for second at 4-under 66. Five players, including Scott Verplank and Luke Donald, are tied for fourth at 3-under 67.

This is the first time since its inception in 1968 that Byron Nelson is missing from the tournament that bears his name. He died last fall at age 94.

1996 champion Phil Mickelson is among 18 players tied for 21st place at 1-under 69.