Appleby, Flesch Share Lead

Stuart Appleby didn’t run out of birdies Wednesday -- he ran out of holes.

Appleby birdied the last six holes for a 10-under 62 and a share of the lead with Steve Flesch after the first round of the PGA Tour’s Las Vegas Invitational.

Flesch, who like Appleby played the Southern Highlands course, birdied his first five holes. He finished with 11 birdies.

Dan Forsman and Craig Barlow also shot 62s, but did it at the par-71 TPC at the Canyons course. They were at nine under, along with John Senden, Aaron Barber and Darren Clarke.

Barber shot 63 at Southern Highlands and Clarke and Senden had 63s at the TPC at Summerlin.

“I’ve never had a finish like that before,” Appleby said after his round of eight birdies and an eagle.

The first day of the 90-hole tournament was conducive for low scores.

There was virtually no wind, the greens were soft and at Southern Highlands, the players were allowed to lift, clean and place the ball in the fairway because the grass hasn’t grown in completely in some spots.

Seven players were at eight under, including PGA championship runner-up Chad Campbell.

The first three rounds of the tournament are being played on the three courses, with the final 36 holes at Summerlin.