Smith's slumps home to 65 to seize PGA edge

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2004

MIAMI (AFP) — Chris Smith flirted with matching the PGA record of 59, but finished three-over par on the final three holes to settle for a one-stroke lead at the five million-dollar Ford Championship.

The 34-year-old American fired a seven-under par 65 in the first round at Doral Country Club's Blue Monster, going 10-under par through 15 holes before taking a bogey at the 16th and suffering a double bogey on the par-4 18th.

"It's not going to ruin my night," Smith said after seeing his lead, once five strokes, dwindle to a single stroke over compatriot Joe Durant after the first 18 holes.

South African Retief Goosen and Americans Phil Mickelson and Scott Verplank were two strokes off the pace after Smith hooked a 5-iron into the water on 18.

"I...