Hot putter helps martin grab zurich lead

Ben Martin fired a course-record 10-under 62 to seize a two-shot lead after the opening round of the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic on Thursday.

The 26-year-old American, who has made just two cuts in his past nine tournaments, had a slim lead over Andrew Svoboda after a bogey-free round at the TPC Louisiana.

Making the cut is a good omen for Martin as he finished third both times he got in under the wire.

"Everything was working well," Martin said of his round. "I felt like I was managing my game well and I was making putts where I was looking.

"I think (the wind) was a little bit of a factor, but when I was into the wind I was a little more conservative and I took advantage of the holes that were downwind."

Svoboda, also of the US, posted an eight-under 64 to sit alone in second place, while Sweden's Peter Hanson and South Korea's Noh Seung-yul shot matching seven-under 65s to share third.

Michael Thompson, Chad Collins and Erik Compton were tied for fifth place at six-under 66.

Martin got off to a fast start by making birdie on his first two holes. He then birdied four of the next six to make the turn at six-under 30.

He birdied the par-four 10th and par-five 11th before making par at the 12th. He also had birdies at 13 and 17.

Defending champion Billy Horschel shot a two-over 74.

This week's winner and next week's champion in Charlotte will qualify for next month's Players Championship.

- AFP