RENO, Nev. (AP) — Andres Romero had seven birdies in a bogey-free first round at the Reno-Tahoe Open to take a one-point lead over South Korean rookie Seung-Yul Noh.
Romero, from Argentina, had 14 points Thursday under the modified Stableford scoring system that puts a premium on aggressive play. Players receive eight points for double eagle, five for eagle, two for birdie, zero for par, minus-one for bogey and minus-three for double bogey or worse.
It’s the first time the scoring system has been used on the PGA Tour since the 2006 International in Colorado.
The 21-year-old Noh seven birdies and a bogey for 13 points at Montreux Golf & Country Club, where only Americans have won in the tourney’s 13 previous years.
Josh Teater, John Mallinger and Ricky Barnes were tied for third with 11 points. John Daly was in a group another point back after carding six birdies and two bogeys.
