Pampling gets a head start to lead windy Houston Open

Friday, April 23, 2004 | 10:26 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Rod Pampling watched the afternoon winds howl from the sanctuary of the players' dining room Thursday, and loved every minute of it.

That's because Pampling, a Flower Mound, Texas, resident, took advantage of a 7 a.m. tee time -- the earliest of the day at the Shell Houston Open -- and completed his bogey-free round of 66 long before afternoon starters at Redstone Golf Club at Humble, Texas, were greeted by 30 mph gusts that sent scores soaring. Pampling is 6-under par at the 7,508-yard layout.

"To get out early without a lot of wind, it was nice to capitalize (on that opportunity)," said Pampling, a native of Australia who made five of his six birdies on putts from inside 12 feet. "It was a lot easier the first four or five holes than what we saw later. So it was a nice day for me."

Pampling, who started on the back nine, took advantage with birdies on his first three holes: Nos. 10, 11 and 12. By the time he two-putted for birdie at the closing par-5, Pampling had a one-stroke lead over Chris Riley (67) and a two-stroke advantage over a five-player group headed by Frank Lickliter and Stephen Ames.

Among those with local connections in the 156-player field, only J.J. Henry (71) and D.J. Brigman (71) posted sub-par scores. Henry, a Fort Worth resident and former TCU golfer, joins Brigman, a Trinity High School graduate, in a tie for 21st place, five strokes behind Pampling.

Fred Couples, the defending champ, opened with a 71 and predicted no one would match his winning total (21 under) from last year's inaugural journey around Redstone, when the rough was shorter and thinner than players are facing this week.

"The course is nothing like last year," Couples said. "I think if we get to 12 or 14 under, that's pretty good. I don't think people will be able to shoot the kind of score (Pampling) had for three more days."

Park made six birdies in windy conditions. His round was highlighted by a chip-in from 30 yards at the par-4 10th.

Jamie Donaldson of Wales was second, while Roger Chapman of England and Christian Cevaer of France were tied for third at 66.

Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal, trying to win this event in his 18th attempt, shot a 71.