Villegas surges three clear

Villegas: Three-shot lead

First-round leaders:
US unless stated
-9 C Villegas (Col)
-6 A Baddeley (Aus)
-6 D Love III
-4 R Garrigus
-4 J Overton
-4 S Appleby (Aus)

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• US Tour Schedule
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• Collated Scores

A nine-under-par 63 enabled Camilo Villegas to take a three-shot lead after the first round of the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines.

The Colombian scored an eagle, eight birdies and a lone bogey on the par-72 North Course to surge clear of Davis Love III and Aaron Baddeley.

Villegas' eagle came at the par-four second hole and was achieved after he chipped in from the rough - the 27-year-old clearing a greenside bunker with the shot.

"I've got a little 63-degree (wedge) and I just popped it up in the air," he explained.

"When I hit it, I knew it was good but I didn't see the ball go in. I was fortunate."

He also scored birdies at the first, third and sixth holes before bogeying the seventh to reach the turn in 32.

Coming back, Villegas picked up further shots at the 10th, 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes - where he also chipped in - to equal his lowest round on the PGA Tour.

"It was a pretty fun day," the world number 11 said. "Two chip-ins, that certainly helps.

"But even if you take them out, I played pretty good. I drove it nicely, I hit some great shots and left myself some good opportunities.

"It was not easy to have a good short game on that golf course today.

"The greens are bumpy and you've just got to be really committed to your line. And that's exactly what I did today."

Early pacesetter

Love, champion in 1996, birdied three of his last five holes to set the early pace with playing partner Baddeley.

Like Villegas, the pair were playing the North Course, which is seen as being easier than the South Course - also par 72 - on which the tournament is also played.

"It was a good start," Love said. "I just holed a few putts and took advantage of the par fives.

"I've always enjoyed playing Torrey. It's a beautiful place but it's a great golf course and it's been good to me."

Partnering Villegas, world number three Padraig Harrington opened with a one-under-par 71.

Stuart Appleby (68) lies five shots off the pace alongside Americans Jeff Overton and Robert Garrigus.

Meanwhile, three-time winner Phil Mickelson shot a two-under 70 on the South Course.

South Africa's Retief Goosen opened with a 71 on the North Course, while England's Luke Donald carded a 70 on the South Course.