GOLF ROUNDUP : Couples (66) Stays on a Roll, Shares Doral Lead

Fred Couples converted the momentum of a victory in the Los Angeles Open into a share of a four-way tie for the lead Thursday in the first round of the Doral Open in Miami.

“I usually feel very comfortable right after winning,” said Couples, who scored a playoff victory over Davis Love III last weekend.

“Bogeys don’t bother you. I feel very relaxed. I don’t get too edgy no matter what happens.”

That relaxed, easy-going attitude was enhanced by par-saving putts of 20 and 30 feet in a bogey-free round of 66, six under par on the Blue Monster course at Doral.

He shared the lead with Australian Steve Elkington, who had an eagle three in his effort, and journeymen Loren Roberts and Mike Smith.

The group at 67, five under par, included 49-year-old Ray Floyd, Curtis Strange, Ben Crenshaw, Jim Gallagher, Duffy Waldorf, Bobby Wadkins and Fred Funk.

Many players said the greens were the best they have seen this year. Floyd took advantage with 13 one-putt greens.

Donna Andrews birdied her final hole for a three-under-par 69 to join a five-way tie for the lead after the first round of the LPGA Inamori Classic at StoneRidge Country Club in Poway.

Judy Dickinson, Dana Lofland, Val Skinner and Barb Thomas also shot 69s. Dawn Coe, winner of last week’s Kemper Open, and defending LPGA and U.S. Women’s Open champion Meg Mallon were among seven players tied at 70.

Tom Watson shot a six-under-par 65 in the opening round and took a two-stroke lead in the Hong Kong Open.

Ronan Rafferty of Northern Ireland was at 67 after his first trip around the 6,732-yard Royal Hong Kong Golf Club course.