HOUSTON, March 31 (UPI) -- Jimmy Walker shot a bogey-free, 9-under 63 Thursday that put him two shots in front after one round of the Houston Open.
Although Walker has yet to win on the PGA Tour, he has had a solid start to the 2011 campaign, with three top-10 finishes. His best showing to date on the circuit has been a tie for third at last year's Texas Open.
Walker played late in the afternoon on a perfect day for scoring and birdied five of his first seven holes at the Redstone Golf Club.
Nick O'Hern and Josh Teater shared second place at 65. Chris Kirk was alone in fourth at 66 in a round spoiled by a drive into the water on his final hole.
Phil Mickelson, in a final tune-up prior to defending his Masters title next week, shot a 2-under 70 and was tied for 33rd.
Lee Westwood, ranked second in the world, was among those at 68.
There were 68 players under par after the opening round. Among those failing to break par were 2010 PGA Tour leading money winner Matt Kuchar (72), Anthony Kim (72) and Davis Love III (74).
