SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Three-time PGA Tour winner Ryan Palmer held a one-shot lead Thursday when play was suspended by darkness in the opening round of the Phoenix Open.
Palmer shot a 7-under 64 over the TPC-Scottsdale course and was in front when the suspension was called with 42 players yet to complete play. A frost delay early Thursday delayed the first-round starting times.
Webb Simpson, ranked sixth in the world and second among Americans behind No. 5 Steve Stricker, was a shot behind Palmer.
Among those who had completed play at 66 were Harrison Frazar and Kevin Na. Bubba Watson was also at 5-under with three holes remaining and Jason Dufner was 5-under with five holes to go.
Phil Mickelson got off to the best start in any of his three tournament appearances this season, firing a 3-under 68 that left him in a tie for 19th. He missed the cut last week at Torrey Pines.
Dustin Johnson and current PGA champion Keegan Bradley were also at 68.
Kyle Stanley, whose triple bogey on the final hole last week cost him what would have been his first tour victory, shot a 69. Brandt Snedeker, who defeated Stanley in a playoff at Torrey Pines, was even par with two holes to play.
