Wurtz, Smith Lead Newport Beach Pro-Am

PGA Tour pro Mark Wurtz of Bermuda Dunes and Nike Tour pro Chris Smith of Peru, Ind., each shot six-under-par 65 Friday and lead after the first round of the Taco Bell Newport Classic Pro-Am golf tournament at Newport Beach Country Club.

Stan Utley of Columbia, Mo., and R.W. Eaks of Scottsdale, Ariz., are tied for second at 66.

Eric Woods, a former Corona del Mar High and UC Irvine standout, shot 69.

Newport Beach’s Cathy Mockett, the first woman pro in the 21-year history of the event, shot nine-over 80.

The tournament, proceeds from which benefit Hoag Hospital’s Emergency Care Unit, finishes today. The first tee time is at 7 a.m. Wurtz and Smith tee off at 11:43.