Pavin breaks nine-hole US record

Pavin won the US Open in 1995

R1 LEADERBOARD:
-9 C Pavin (US)
-6 A Atwal (Ind)
-5 S Kendall (US), C Beckman (US)

Corey Pavin went round the first nine holes in just 26 shots to set a new PGA Tour record in the opening round of the US Bank Championship in Milwaukee.

Pavin, who birdied eight of the first nine holes, hit a nine-under 61 to lead by three shots from Indian Arjun Atwal.

The American's round was also a course record at the Brown Deer Golf Club.

The 46-year-old got his round in before the arrival of heavy rain, which caused play to be abandoned with 106 players still to complete their rounds.

Pavin began his round with a 35-foot putt for birdie and also sank long putts at the fourth and the fifth.

"I hit good shots close and converted the putts. It was a magical nine and very exciting for me," said Pavin, who won the US Open in 1995.

"I kind of messed up seven, didn't I?" he joked.

German Alex Cejka is the leading European, tying for 13th on three under.

World number 28 Nick O'Hern, the highest-ranked player in the field, is tied for 66th after hitting a 71.