Claxton out front in Mayakoba Classic

RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Will Claxton shot a 5-under 66 Thursday that gave him a one-shot lead over seven players at the end of one round at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

Claxton, who earned his way onto the PGA Tour by finishing 18th in last year's qualifying tournament, is appearing in only his second event on the circuit this season.

Charles Howell III led the group at 67, along with Greg Owen, Alejandro Canizares, Marc Turnesa, Mark Anderson, Matt Every and John Huh.

Greg Norman, designer of the El Camaleon course on which this tournament is being played, shot a 79. Tom Lehman, who earned player-of-the-year honors last year on the Champions Tour, fired a 70.