PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Morgan Hoffmann took the first-round lead at the Pebble Beach Invitational on Thursday, shooting a 7-under 65 at Spyglass Hill.
Hoffmann had a one-stroke lead on fellow PGA Tour players Chesson Hadley, Ted Potter Jr., Scott Brown and defending champion Tommy Gainey.
''It was just a really nice day,’' Hoffmann said of his bogey-free round. ''The greens were soft and the ball rolled really well.’'
Gainey, Hadley and Brown were at par-72 on Del Monte Golf Course. Potter Jr. had his 66 at Spyglass Hill.
''Anytime you’re the defending champion, you always want to give it your best shot,’' said Gainey, whose lone PGA Tour win remains the 2012 McGladrey Classic.
Four players, including 2013-2014 PGA Tour rookie Brice Garnett, Jason Kokrak and University of Illinois men’s golf coach Mike Small were two back at 67. Kokrak had the low round at Pebble Beach.
Ten-time major winner and World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam opened with a 70 at Del Monte. Two-time defending First Tee Open at Pebble Beach winner Kirk Triplett shot 69 at Del Monte.
Record three-time winner Mark Brooks was six back following a 71 at Spyglass.
Former winner Rocco Mediate withdrew with back spasms.
In its 42nd year, the Invitational is the only event that features players from the PGA, LPGA, Champions and Web.com tours vying for the same purse.