Dean Wilson leads PGA event in Louisiana

AVONDALE, La., March 27 (UPI) -- Dean Wilson has a one-stroke lead over a trio of players after 18 holes of the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic of New Orleans in Avondale, La.

In Thursday's first round, the native of Kaneohe, Hawaii, made one bogey with seven birdies on the way to 6-under-par 66.

The bogey came at the par 4 sixth hole while his round ended with birdies on four of his last six holes.

Wilson, who missed the cut in five of eight tournaments to date this season, is searching for his second win on the PGA Tour. He won the now-defunct International in Castle Rock, Colo., in 2006.

Peter Lonard, Briny Baird and little-known five-year veteran Chez Reavie share second place at 5-under 67.

Five players, including Steve Elkington, are tied for fifth place at 4-under 68.