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Defending champ Scott defies illness to break Houston record

04/04/2008

Australia's Adam Scott fired a bogey-free, nine-birdie round of 63 in the morning to break the course record in the first round of the Houston Open.

Scott, who is defending his own title in Texas, was not the only man to card a record score as Johnson Wagner joined him atop the leaderboard with a similarly impressive day's play in the afternoon.

Wagner also avoided dropping a shot all day in the placid conditions at the Redstone course, and holed an eagle three at the par-five eighth hole.

The feat of his partner at the top of the standings was made even more impressive, however, as Scott was forced to go straight to the clubhouse after his round to seek medical treatment.

He has been bothered with swollen glands and illness all week and it was doubtful he would even be able to tee off earlier in the day.

Nevertheless, he hit 17 of 18 greens in regulation and needed only 28 putts to complete his round.

American Charley Hoffman is still in touch with the leading pair on seven under par, while countryman Steve Stricker is a further shot back after a solid round of 66.

A group of four players are tied on five under par after making 67s on the opening day, including the Australian duo of Geoff Ogilvy and Steve Elkington.