Funk, Sluman team for share of first

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NAPLES, Fla., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Champions Tour members Jeff Sluman and Fred Funk shot a combined 8-under 64 Friday to share the first-round lead at the Merrill Lynch Shootout in Naples, Fla.

Woody Austin and Mark Calcavecchia also shot a 64 in the modified alternate-shot format, in which the players choose their best drive and then take turns hitting the ball until the hole is completed.

Tournament host Greg Norman teamed with Bubba Watson to shoot a 65, putting them alone in third place. Defending champions Jerry Kelly and Rod Pampling were in fourth at 66.

Among those tied for fifth at 68 were Brad Faxon-Justin Leonard and Scott Hoch-Kenny Perry.

The popular team of Fred Couples-John Daly settled for last place with a 70.

"In the alternate shot, to shoot an 8-under is really good," Funk said. "In the scramble tomorrow, you're supposed to shoot 18-under so you will change your expectations a little bit."