Funk Recovers and Shoots a 63

Fred Funk changed his mind just in time.

About an hour before he was to tee off, a sore back had Funk thinking seriously about withdrawing from the Buick Challenge.

Instead, after about a half-hour of therapy, he went out and shot a nine-under-par 63 Thursday for a share of the first-round lead with Jim Carter in the $1.5 million tournament at Pine Mountain, Ga.

“Two days ago my back went into spasms. I couldn’t hit balls [Wednesday] and considered withdrawing on the range this morning,” said Funk, who had 10 birdies.

Carter, 37, who has never won during his eight years on the PGA Tour, shot his best round of the year with nine birdies and no bogeys.

Russ Cochran was a stroke back after a 64 and Tom Byrum shot a 65.

Steve Elkington and Tim Herron were three strokes off the the pace at 66. Also at 66 were leading money-winner David Duval, Franklin Langham, J.L. Lewis and Frank Lickliter.

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John Rech, head professional at Rolling Hills in Pittsburgh, shot a three-under-par 69 to take a one-stroke lead in the PGA Senior club professional championship at West Palm Beach, Fla.