Knox Leads With a 66 in Florida

Kenny Knox shot a six-under-par 66 Thursday to take a two-shot lead over Chi Chi Rodriguez and Bill Glasson in the first round of the $500,000 Honda golf tournament at the Tournament Players Club at Eagle Trace.

“If I don’t have anything else like this the rest of my life, I had this one day,” said Knox, who has yet to win on the PGA Tour.

Among those at 69 were Andy Bean, Tim Simpson, Mike Reid, Ed Fiori and Payne Stewart. All the leaders played in the morning before an afternoon wind kicked up to 30 m.p.h.

Jack Nicklaus, looking for his first victory in almost two years, shot a 73, as did Doug Tewell, who won the Los Angeles Open last weekend, and defending champion Curtis Strange. Leading money winner Hal Sutton had a 74.

Knox said a save on the par-5 fifth hole was the key to his round. He remained at par although he hit his second shot into the water.

Knox shot a 67 Monday to become one of only four tournament qualifiers among the field of 140. The 29-year-old Tallahassee, Fla., resident spent most of the winter at home clearing trees from land he recently purchased. His best previous finish was a tie for eighth in the Pensacola Open last year.