Golf:As Padraig Harrington made steady, if unspectacular, progress on his return to the PGA Tour, American journeyman David Mathis grabbed a one-shot lead at the St Jude Classic despite bogeying his penultimate hole.
Mathis, who earned his 2011 PGA Tour card by finishing in the top 25 in last year's Nationwide Tour money list, took charge with a five-under-par 65 on a sweltering hot and humid day at the TPC Southwind.
That was five better than Harrington, who carded a level par round of 70 on a difficult day for scoring that saw just 32 players in the 156-strong field shoot scores in the 60s.
Robert Karlsson, beaten by Lee Westwood in a three-way play-off for last year's title, opened with a 66 to end the day in joint second with John Merrick, Kris Blanks, Colt Knost and Kevin Kisner.
World number two Westwood launched his title defence with a 69, salvaging a mediocre round with three birdies in his last four holes.
Mathis, whose best PGA Tour finish was a tie for eighth at last month's New Orleans Classic, was taking nothing for granted after ending the first round in control.
"I haven't been in this position before," the 37-year-old said after mixing six birdies with a lone bogey at the par-three eighth where he three-putted. "I don't feel stressed or uncomfortable in the position. I know there's tons of golf left.
"I'm just trying to keep poise about me . . . just take it for what it is, enjoy it, be thankful for a good round and try to reproduce it for the next three days."
Sergio Garcia had a day to forget as he battled to an eight-over 78 which included an ugly 11 at the par-five third where he dumped three consecutive shots into the water.
