Phoenix Open Golf Tournament : Fast Start Helps O’Meara to a 63 and Lead as Darkness Strands 45

Mark O’Meara birdied four of his first five holes en route to an eight-under-par 63 and the lead Thursday before darkness halted the first round of the $600,000 Phoenix Open.

Frost and frozen greens delayed the start of play 1 1/2 hours, backed up the starting times and eventually left 45 of the 144 man field stranded on the course by darkness.

They marked their positions on the new TPC course at Scottsdale and were due to return at daylight today to complete first-round play. The second round was to follow, weather permitting.

Of those left on the course, D.A. Weibring and lefty Ernie Gonzalez had the best nine-hole scores, three-under-par 33s on the back nine.

Officials had no option in delaying play, O’Meara said.

“Early this morning it was just too cold to play,” O’Meara said. “I went out to hit balls and the 10th green was solid ice.

“We just had to wait for the sun to come out. Once we got out there it was a delightful day.”

Brad Faxon, not yet a winner in three full seasons on the PGA Tour, had four birdies and an eagle in a five-hole stretch and is second at 64.

Corey Pavin continued the strong play that brought him the title in the Bob Hope Classic last Sunday. “That’s the idea,” Pavin said after his 65. “Keep it going as long as you can, win as much as you can.”

He was tied with Bobby Clampett, Steve Jones and Ed Fiori, with Rocco Mediate another shot back at 66.