First season professional Eric Booker fired a first round six-underpar 66 to lead the Houston Open by one stroke in Texas. Clear in second is local hero Omar Uresti, who went out early and shot a 67 that included seven birdies.

Hal Sutton led a group of seven on 68 while David Duval birdied three of the last four holes for a 69 on his return to action following a fortnight's holiday.

FIRST ROUND LEADERS (US unless stated)

66 - E Booker; 67 - O Uresti; 68 - D Sutherland, J Gallagher, J Cook, F Funk, J Sindelar, H Sutton; 69 - J Daly, B Estes, J Maggert, DA Weibring, D Duval, S Elkington (Austraia), R Allenby (Australia), M Wiebe, C Smith, B Lietzke, S Gump, E Toldeo (Mexico).