Green Holds Off Browne, Craxton For Early Lead In Texas Open

San Antonio, TX (AHN) - Australian Nathan Green used a string of nine birdies in the first 16 holes to secure a two-stroke lead that opened the first round of the Valero Texas Open Thursday at La Cantera Golf Club.

The hard-luck Green closed the last two holes with a bogey on the 17th then held for par in the 18th for an 8-under 62 in the $4.5 million event.

His first-round total is enough to hold off two others-Americans Olin Browne and Paul Craxton-who shot identical 64s for a joint hold on second-place.

Six others are a stroke behind at 65-Greg Kraft, former winner Tim Herron, Jason Gore, Nick O'Hern, Patrick Sheehan and Chad Collins.

With sunny and pleasant conditions hovering the golf course at least in the first round of action, more than half of the field secured an even par for 18 holes Thursday.

Claxton and Browne didn't hit bogeys and three-time champion Justin Leonard remained in striking distance with an even 70.

Australian Steve Allan and American Michael Bradley led eight others in a share of 10th place at 4-under 66.