AVONDALE, La., April 26 (UPI) -- Ken Duke, who at age 43 is looking for his first PGA Tour victory, shared the lead with Cameron Tringale Thursday after one round of the Zurich Classic.
Ernie Els continued his bid to regain his former high status in world rankings and newly crowned Masters champion Bubba Watson found himself in 49th place in his first appearance since winning in Augusta.
The early starters had the advantage at the TPC-Louisiana course and Duke was in the first group off the tee. He seized on that opportunity to shoot a 7-under 65, but Tringale matched it in the afternoon despite an increase in the velocity of the winds.
Els, Steve Stricker, Chris Stroud and Daniel Chopra all shot 66 to share third place. Els is currently ranked 63rd in the world and because he has fallen out of the top 50 he did not receive an invitation to this year's Masters. Returning to that event is one of his major goals this season and a win this week would ensure a spot in next year's field.
Ben Curtis, who won in San Antonio last week for his first victory in six years, shot a 67 and was tied at that number with John Rollins and Jason Dufner.
Watson shot a 1-under 71 after making two early bogeys.
"I don't have any energy," Watson said after the round. "It has been so hectic (since the Masters). My caddy said early in the round that just making the cut this week would be good and finishing in the top 25 would be really great."
Tringale, like Duke, is seeking his first tour victory. Duke has finished among the first 10 twice this year and Tringale has done so three times.
