Baird takes first-round lead at Viking Classic

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

MADISON, United States (AFP) — Briny Baird nabbed 10 birdies in a nine-under 63 to take a two-stroke lead after Thursday's first round of the Viking Classic.

Baird signalled his intentions with a birdie at his first hole and added four more on the front nine. He added three more coming in before a rain delay of more than two hours temporarily halted the round.

While Baird finished his round, darkness halted play with 56 golfers still on the course.

Baird was two shots ahead of Cameron Beckman, who birdied four of his final six holes to finish at seven-under.

D.J. Trahan carded a bogey-free six-under 66 to get his title defense off to a strong start. He is in a three-way tie for third with Steve Lowery and David Branshaw.

Last year, Trahan...