Red-hot Compton shares lead at McGladrey Classic

24 October 2014 02:31

Erik Compton started his day by putting on extra clothes to battle a morning chill but it didn't take him long to get hot once he teed off at The McGladrey Classic on Thursday.

The 34-year-old dual Norwegian-American rolled in birdies on his first two holes en route to a five-under 65 to grab a share of the lead with three others after the opening round at the $5.6-million US PGA Tour event in Georgia.

Compton, a two-time heart transplant recipient, said he cut his pre-round warmup routine short at the Sea Island Resort course -- and it appeared to pay off.

"It was nice to get off to a good start. It was a little chilly this morning, so I shortened my warmup and wrapped myself in a bunch of clothes," said Compton. "The greens are really quick. If you're playing well, there are some scores out there."

Compton was joined atop a crowded leaderboard by Brian Harman, Will MacKenzie and Michael Thompson, who set a 54-hole record at this event three years ago.

Chesson Hadley posted a four-under 66. He was joined in fifth place by Andrew Svoboda, Jason Kokrak, Jim Renner, Patton Kizzire, Shawn Stefani, John Peterson and Park Sung-Joon.

Australia's Aaron Baddeley and South African Rory Sabbatini headline a 16-man group that are just two shots adrift.

Harman played the back nine first and he began with four pars in a row. He finished strong by making birdie on two of his final three holes.

"I was nervous starting out," Harman said. "It was windy and cold this morning. I finally started getting comfortable and played better toward the end. I finished very nice."

Source: AFP