LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. --- Justin Rose shot 7-under-par 65 on Thursday in the opening round of the Children's Miracle Network Classic, edging upstart Rickie Fowler for the top spot on the leaderboard.
Fowler, a 20-year-old who is making only his third start since turning pro from Oklahoma State, Greg Owen and Casey Wittenberg were one shot back at Disney World in the final PGA Tour event of the season.
Former Louisville, Ga., resident Brian Gay opened with 68. Augusta native Charles Howell had 70.
Defending champ Davis Love III withdrew with neck pain after shooting 73.
Former No. 1 David Duval was among those in danger of losing their full status. Duval shot 76 and was tied for next to last in 124th place, meaning he'll need a major push today to have any hope of keeping his full status.
Only the top 125 on the money list will have full status, and the next 25 will at least get conditional status and be able to enter more than a dozen tournaments.
EUROPEAN TOUR/ASIAN TOUR: In Hong Kong, Udorn Duangdecha shot 8-under-par 62 behind 10 birdies to lead Robert-Jan Derksen by one stroke after the first round of the Hong Kong Open.
The little-known Thai qualifier also had two bogeys at the Hong Kong Golf Club.
Eyeing the European Tour money title, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy both shot 66.
Former Augusta State golfer Oliver Wilson opened with 70.
KIWI CHALLENGE: In Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, Anthony Kim won the event despite making a bogey in a playoff, beating Sean O'Hair to earn the $1 million check at Cape Kidnappers.
Kim shot 5-under-par 66 and was leading over the back nine until O'Hair made a birdie on the 18th hole for 3-under 69 to force a playoff in the 36-hole exhibition.
LPGA TOUR: In Guadalajara, Mexico, Song-Hee Kim shot 7-under-par 65 in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational to take a two-stroke lead over three players -- and a six-shot advantage over the top-ranked Ochoa.
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