GOLF / PGA AT LAS VEGAS : Kamm, Murphy Leading; Norman Not Far Behind

Brian Kamm and Sean Murphy shot 64s but shared the spotlight with two big names Wednesday in the first round of the five-day, 90-hole Las Vegas Invitational over three courses.

Kamm, who hasn’t finished higher than sixth in a five-year career, had a 10-foot eagle and no bogeys, and Murphy birdied the last two holes for a share of the lead.

Much of the attention, though, went to Greg Norman and Paul Azinger.

Norman, making his first American tour start in almost two months, served notice his health problems were at an end with a solid 67.

The Australian had played only once since the World Series of Golf in August. He was forced out of the Presidents Cup with intestinal problems, causing him to lose 13 pounds.

His only other appearance was in the team Dunhill Cup at St. Andrews, Scotland.

Azinger, on a comeback from cancer treatment, continued to have problems with back spasms and was unable to play for the second consecutive week.

Norman is pointing toward next week’s season-ending Tour Championship in an effort to overtake Nick Price in the money race. Price, who is not competing in this event, leads $1,442,927 to Norman’s $1,255,164.

Norman also leads in the race for the Vardon Trophy, which goes to the player with the lowest adjusted scoring average for the season.

His opening 67 improved on the leading 68.42 adjusted average he had coming in. Tom Lehman was second at 69.10.

The 144 pros play with a different, three-man amateur team each day of the tournament, playing one round on each of three courses before the field is cut for the final two rounds Saturday and Sunday at Summerlin.