Smith sets early pace

LEADERBOARD - 7 Chris Smith (US) -6 Joe Durant (US) -5 Phil Mickelson (US), Scott Verplank (US), Retief Goosen (SA) Full clubhouse scores

Chris Smith carded a 65 to claim the first-round lead at the Ford Championship at Doral in Florida.

The American's seven-under-par round gave him a one-shot lead over compatriot Joe Durant.

But it could have been so much better for Smith as he double-bogeyed the difficult 18th after pulling his second shot into the water beside the green.

Americans Phil Mickelson and Scott Verplank and South Africa's Retief Goosen are two shots off the lead.

Despite taking the lead, Smith was disappointed with his overall performance in windy conditions at Doral.

"After 13, I was a little bit excited because I thought I really might shoot 59," said Smith.

The 34-year-old came unstuck at the tricky final hole which records show was the most difficult hole on the US Tour for more than a decade - three-quarters of a shot over par at an average of 4.75 strokes.

"It was probably the hardest shot I had all day," said Smith.

"I just didn't hit it quite like I wanted."

Spain's Seve Ballesteros withdraw from the event without hitting a single shot because of a bad back.

It would have been the five-time major champion's first start of the year.