Walker ties course record as big names tune up for Masters

Walker ties course record as big names tune up for Masters

American Jimmy Walker stole the limelight from a clutch of big name stars tuning up for next week's U.S. Masters as he tied the course record to lead the Houston Open after the first round.Walker carded a nine-under 63 Thursday to take a two-shot lead over Australian Nick O'Hern and Josh Teater.The previous record had been set by Johnson Wagner Augusta National And Jack Nicklaus and Australia's Adam Scott in the opening round of the 2008 staging of the PGA Tour event. In a good omen for Walker, Wagner went on to win that year.Walker wielded a hot putter and needed just 23 putts as he finished his round without a bogey."When you putt well, it cures a lot of ills, for sure," said Walker, who has three top-10 finishes this season.World number two Lee Westwood made a good start in his preparations for the first major of the season as he carded a four-under 68, the same mark as Ireland's Padraig Harrington.Three-time major winner Harrington is in confident mood ahead of Augusta."Absolutely I'm on schedule," he told AFP."It puts a lot Golf Courses of pressure on me. If I can get into contention and get the pressure on me this week, it will be good for next week."Reigning Masters champion Phil Mickelson attracted a big Texas gallery and rewarded them with a two-under 70.He attempted to change his driver during his round after detecting a small crack in it, but after a consultation with a rules official had to carry on with his original.