Tom Lehman has returned fire on Mark James, blasting last year's European Ryder Cup captain over his controversial book Into the Bear Pit.

In the book, James slams Lehman for running onto the 17th green after Justin Leonard holed the long putt at Brookline which all but sealed the Ryder Cup for the United States.

"Calls himself a man of God. That was the most disgraceful thing I've ever seen," James wrote of Lehman.

Lehman is a devout Christian but he's no longer prepared to turn the other cheek. "I think it's really low class," he said after the first round at the Kemper Open.

"I hope he (James) feels good about it. I guess every good story needs a villain and I'm glad he's found one in me."

Meanwhile, with Tiger Woods taking the week off, a more relaxed Steve Lowery shot a seven-under-par 64 to share the first-round lead at the $3 million event on Thursday.

Lowery's 64 was matched by fellow American Jay Williamson, and they led compatriots Brett Quigley, Craig Barlow and Justin Leonard, and Australian Greg Chalmers by one stroke on a day when the field averaged a tad over par, 71.8 strokes.

Williamson seems to have an affinity with Avenel. His 29 on the back nine matched the record for nine holes, and it came four years after he led into the final round, only to blow up and finish equal 23rd. He has done precious little since and ranks a lowly 89th on this year's money list.

Leonard, meanwhile, continued the good form that earned him a tie for second behind Woods at the Memorial, reeling off five birdies in six holes on the front nine before picking up one more stroke on the back nine.