American Kevin Stadler is the clubhouse leader after a rain-marred first day at The Barclays in New Jersey on Thursday, while Australian Jason Day is only two shots off the pace. With two lengthy rain delays meaning some golfers have not yet completed their first rounds, Stadler shot a superb seven-under 64 to lead from compatriot Ryan Palmer, Sweden&aposs Henrik Stenson and Colombia&aposs Camilo Villegas, who all carded six-under 65s. It was a brilliant bogey-free round by Stadler, who shot five birdies on the front nine before holing two more around the turn. Tied for second with Stenson and Villegas, Palmer shot the same number of birdies as Stadler, but a bogey on the fifth cost him dearly. Despite carding three bogeys, Stenson secured nine birdies in his erratic round which will leave him confident he can challenge for the lead if he is more consistent. Villegas did lead Stadler through the early stages of the back nine but bogeys on the 14th and 15th set the Colombian back. Australia&aposs Day, who birdied three of his final four holes, and American Matt Kuchar finished tied for fifth at five under. World number one Tiger Woods is in contention, tied for seventh after a four-under 67 while England&aposs Justin Rose is a further shot behind. Brandt Snedeker had a nightmare round of one-over 72, which included five bogeys, while Bill Haas is two over after five holes and will be hoping to improve considerably when he resumes his first round. It was a solid day for Australia with Geoff Ogilvy finishing at three under while Marc Leishman is on the same score having played only eight holes. Aaron Baddeley started well, finishing the day at two under after three holes while John Senden, Stuart Appleby and Matt Jones are both at one under despite just starting their rounds. Masters champion Adam Scott is even after six holes but there were disappointing rounds for Greg Chalmers (two over) and Steven Bowditch (four over).
Author: Omnisport