GOLF:AMERICAN HUNTER Haas stormed into an early lead at the ATT National in Pennsylvania with a four-under-par first nine holes at Aronimink Golf Club.

Starting at the 10th, Haas picked up successive birdies on the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th to lead the way by one shot.

Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas and Haas’ compatriots Dean Wilson, Joe Ogilvie and Kyle Stanley were the early clubhouse leaders after carding three-under-par 67s in sunny conditions in Pennsylvania.

American Kris Blanks and Fiji’s Vijay Singh were also three under through 15 and 10 holes respectively.

Defending champion England’s Justin Rose was level par after 15 holes.

Former US Open champion Lucas Glover withdrew after nine holes, citing illness. Since winning the Wells Fargo Championship in early May, Glover has struggled with two missed cuts and zero finishes inside the top 40. When he pulled out yesterday he was five over through nine holes.