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Kim sets course record at AT&T

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The Associated Press

Published: July 3, 2009

BETHESDA, Md. - Anthony Kim is regaining a lot of his strength and a little of his swagger. He can only hope his record start Thursday at the AT&T National will allow him to get rid of some frustration built up from a year of not winning.

Kim ran off eight birdies in his final 13 holes and set the course record at Congressional with an 8-under 62, giving him a two-shot lead against tournament host Tiger Woods and two others.

The 24-year-old Kim has not won since his victory in the AT&T National last year, slowed by an assortment of injuries that caused his game to slip just as he was being anointed the next great American player.

It was the best round of his PGA Tour career, although Kim walked off the par-5 ninth green slightly perturbed after narrowly missing a 10-foot birdie putt. Apparently, eight birdies weren't enough.

"You don't have many opportunities to bust a 61," Kim said.

But it was enough to hold off Woods, who missed his tournament last year after having season-ending knee surgery. Woods played in the afternoon with deceptive wind swirling from trees lining the fairways. He missed only two fairways and three greens, and made enough putts for a 64, his lowest round since the 2007 Tour Championship.

"Today was nice to get back inside the ropes and get out there and try to catch AK," Woods said.

Bryce Molder, who can qualify for the British Open with a strong week at Congressional, hit a 3-wood to 4 feet on the par-3 second hole and escaped trouble a few times on the back nine to join a group at 64 that also included D.A. Points.

LPGA: Morgan Pressel, Song-Hee Kim and Laura Diaz made the most of the defending champion's absence at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic in Sylvania, Ohio.

Each shot a 7-under 64 after Paula Creamer withdrew because of a thumb injury, taking a one-shot lead against Michelle Wie and Suzann Pettersen after the opening round at Highland Meadows.

Creamer withdrew moments before her morning tee time.

EUROPEAN: Martin Kaymer tied a course record with a 9-under 62 to take a three-stroke lead after the first round of the French Open.

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