Andrew Loupe and Steve Wheatcroft, non-winners on the PGA Tour, recorded side-by-side 7-under-par 65s in rainy, windy conditions to share the first-round lead in the Wells Fargo Championship at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.
Anirban Lahiri of India was one stroke back at 66.
“I kind of felt like I was trying to keep up the whole time with Steve,” said Loupe (pictured), winner of the 2015 Children’s Hospital Championship on the Nationwide Tour, who did not make a bogey .
“We both had it rolling early. Just solid golf for the most part, just looking to keep that momentum going.”
Wheatcroft, who has won twice on the Web.com Tour, holed out from 43 yards for an eagle on the fifth hole and added a six-foot eagle putt on the 10th, where he hit a brilliant approach shot from 281 yards.
Lahiri, who has 18 pro victories around the world but none on the PGA Tour, carded three birdies on each nine.
Kevin Chappell of Fresno and UCLA followed his only bogey at No. 4 with three straight birdies in a 67 that put him in a tie for fourth with Dawie Van Der Walt of South Africa.
Daniel Berger, 2015 Rookie of the Year on the PGA Tour, shot 68 and was tied for sixth with John Senden of Australia and Tim Wilkinson of New Zealand.
Phil Mickelson opened with a 69 and was tied for eighth with Retief Goosen of South Africa, Martin Laird of Scotland, Daniel Summerhays, Blayne Barber, Martin Piller, Brian Harman and Boo Weekley.
Justin Rose of England was in a tie for 17th at 70, Rickie Fowler of Murrieta was tied for 30th at 71 and Jim Furyk, playing for the first time this season after recovering from left wrist surgery, was tied for 75th at 73.
“I had no pain, no apprehension,” Furyk said. “I don’t enjoy hitting balls, so actually it’s kind of fun. I’m not really allowed to or can’t (hit so many practice balls), so I’m enjoying that part of it.”
Top-ranked Rory McIlroy started on the back and was 4-over after a double bogey-6 on the 18th hole, but also was tied for 75th after salvaging a 75 with four birdies on the front nine.
