Bertsch takes two-shot lead at Hope

LA QUINTA, Calif., Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Shane Bertsch paced a typical burst of low scoring at the Bob Hope Classic Wednesday and took a two-shot lead after the first round of the five-day tournament.

Bertsch, who shot a final-round 65 at the qualifying event in December just to earn a spot on the circuit, fired a 10-under 62 Wednesday over the PGA West Nicklaus Course.

The PGA West Palmer Course, the La Quinta Country Club and the SilverRock Resort are also being used in this event, which pairs a professional with four amateurs for each of the first four rounds. The Palmer course will host the final round.

Rookie Alex Prugh and 2000 U.S. Amateur champion Jeff Quinney were tied for second at 64. They also played the Nicklaus Course.

Those tied for fourth at 65 were J.P. Hayes, Garrett Willis, Joe Ogilvie and George McNeill.

This tournament is known for yielding low scores. David Duval won the event in 1999 by firing a closing-round 59.

The SilverRock course is being used for the first time in the tourney and it proved to be the most difficult on opening day. Only four of the Top 38 scores were posted at SilverRock, including a 68 shot by defending champion Pat Perez. Sam Saunders, grandson of Arnold Palmer, was given a sponsor's exemption to play in the tournament and he shot a 74.