Choi watches birdies to seize lead

South Korea's K.J. Choi had six birdies en route to a six-under 65 to seize the lead after the first round of the US$6.2 million PGA Northern Trust Open on Thursday.

"This course, I've always had trouble putting and my irons shots have always been a problem," Choi said. "I felt like they were working today, and I think even the weather was pretty pleasant when I played, so it worked out good."

Choi needed just 27 putts in his bogey free round at the Riviera Country Club course located in the stately Los Angeles suburb of Pacific Palisades.

American Kevin Na is one stroke behind and Chad Campbell and Vaughn Taylor are two back.

Play was suspended for the day with 17 golfers still on the course. They were due to complete their opening round early yesterday.

Choi has struggled with both his putter and his irons in the past at Riviera Country Club, but had no problems with either in the first round.

He was tied for fourth in greens in regulation on the day and nearly holed out an eight-iron on the seventh hole from 152 yards.

Choi and Na had the benefit of having early tee times.

"I did get off to a bit of a slow start," Na said.

Na made par on his first nine holes, but then countered with five birdies on his next nine holes.

"I made the turn and then I started hitting them close," Na said. "The putts started falling and I took it low on the front nine."

Campbell and Taylor took advantage of their earlier starting times, though Campbell is a fan of Riviera no matter what the conditions.

Afternoon winds picked up and made course conditions tougher.

"It actually kind of completely turned around on us," Taylor said of the wind direction. "You know, it actually made the last few holes easier, so kind of caught a break there."

Others weren't quite as fortunate with the wind.

David Duval had an afternoon tee time and was six-over through six holes. He withdrew after his third consecutive bogey.

Two-time winner Mike Weir shot a two-over 73.