Date: May 17, 2007
Author:

Sutho sets the pace

Kevin Sutherland produced a superb first round 65 to lead the AT&T Classic at seven under, while New Zealand&aposs Grant Waite is at three under and Australian Steve Elkington just five shots off the pace. In perfect conditions at Georgia&aposs Sugarloaf course, Sutherland barely put a foot wrong all day as he finished the first round with six birdies and an eagle, while a single bogey at four was his only blip. Sutherland led a predominantly American field of chasers as Stephen Marino, Tommy Armour III, Bob Mary and Craig Kanada, along with Japan&aposs Ryuji Amada found themselves at five-under after carding 67s on day one. Two shots further back was New Zealander Grant Waite, who carded a three-under 69 as Steve Elkington produced a 70 to be five shots off the pace going into the second round. Elkington also began the round well with birdies on three, four and six, before a double bogey and another birdie finished off his front nine. But the Australian could only manage an even score on the back nine to finish the day at two-under. One shot further back is Mark Hensby (71) and Michael Sim (71) as Peter Lonard found himself a long way out of contention after carding a one-over 73. AT&T Classic First Round -7: Kevin Sutherland 65 -5: Stephen Marino, Tommy Armour III, Ryuji Amada, Bob Mary, Craig Kanada 67 -4: Dicky Pride, Joe Ogilvie, Mark Brooks, D.J. Brigman 68 -3: Brian Davis, Olin Browne, Jonathan Byrd, Briny Baird, Steve Flesch, Bill Haas, Tag Ridings, Rory Sabbatini, Jason Bohn, Grant Waite (NZL), Lee Janzen 69 Also: -2 Steve Elkintgon 70 (AUS) -1: Mark Hensby (AUS), Michael Sim (AUS) 71 1: Peter Lonard (AUS) 73 2: Steve Allan (AUS), Paul Gow (AUS), Steven Bowditch (AUS), Gavin Coles 74 4: Jarrod Lyle (AUS), Matthew Goggin (AUS) 76