Grayson Murray is playing at TPC San Antonio for the first time, but took an instant liking to the course.
The 24-year-old Murray birdied the last two holes to shoot 5-under-par 67 in difficult windy conditions to take a one-stroke lead over five players after the first round of the Valero Texas Open.
“This is the first time I’ve seen this course, other than yesterday obviously,” said Murray, who claimed his only PGA Tour victory last year in the Barbasol Championship. “I didn’t play last year, but it sets up really good for my game. I can hit a lot of drivers out there, which is a strength when I’m swinging it well.
“I had a good grouping today with G-Mac (Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland) and Badds (Aaron Baddeley if Australia), (we) kind of fed off each other. It was nice.”
Chesson Hadley birdied three of his last eight holes to total 68 and is tied for second with Billy Horschel, Ryan Moore, Keegan Bradley and Matt Atkins.
Harris English posted a 69 and is tied for seventh with Andrew Landry, Roberto Diaz of Mexico, Jon Curran and Joshua Creel.
Defending champion Kevin Chappell shot 72 and is tied for 35th and 10-ranked Sergio Garcia of Spain is tied for 86th after a 74.
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