Americans Kuchar, Henry lead at Pebble Beach

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2004

PEBBLE BEACH, United States (AFP) — Americans Matt Kuchar and J.J. Henry carded seven-under-par 65s here to share the first-round lead in the 5.3 million-dollar Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

Kuchar played his round at Poppy Hills while Henry competed at Pebble Beach.

The four-day tournament is played over three courses - the other being Spyglass Hill - for the first three rounds with the final 18 holes contested at Pebble Beach.

Kuchar, who endured a brutal 2003 campaign in which he finished 182nd on the money list, capped his round with three consecutive birdies.

"That was a surprise," Kuchar said of his finishing flourish. "I think it was midway through the back nine I realized that the greens are getting pretty bumpy and I was hoping to par in....