Luke Donald leads Honda Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Luke Donald overcame blustery conditions Thursday to shoot a 6-under 64 and take the first-round lead at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Donald, the 2006 winner of this tournament, played in the morning during the worst of the high winds and with temperatures in the 40s.

His 64 over the PGA National course gave him a one-shot lead over Brian Davis and a two-shot advantage over Matt Jones.

Ernie Els, who has not won on American soil since capturing three tournaments in 2004, shared fourth place at 67 with Tim Wilkinson, Brett Quigley, Jimmy Walker and Kevin Sutherland.

"I guess my tee-to-green game really stood up today," said Els, who lost in the opening round of last week's Accenture Match Play Championship. "My putting wasn't too bad. I read the greens pretty well."

Jose Coceres, who lost in a playoff here last year, was at 68 along with Jesper Parnevik. Defending champion Mark Wilson shot a 73.

Justin Leonard is the only player among the top 10 on the FedEx Cup points list playing this week, currently standing in fourth place. He opened with a 69.