Cauley takes two-shot lead at RBC Heritage

Bud Cauley took advantage of pristine conditions at Harbour Town Golf Links with birdies on four of final five holes for an 8-under 63 and a two-shot lead after the opening round of the RBC Heritage.

Bud Cauley took advantage of pristine, windless conditions at Harbour Town Golf Links with birdies on four of final five holes for an 8-under 63 and a two-shot lead Thursday after the opening round of the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Cauley hadn’t made many waves at Harbour Town his first three visits with two missed cuts and only one round in the 60s. This time, though, with mild, 70-degree conditions, practically no wind and abundant sunshine, Cauley made eight birdies in a bogey-free round, including three straight to finish with a flourish.

“You never go out thinking you’re going to shoot that,” Cauley said. “I just got into the round and was swinging well and tried to give myself as many looks as I could.”

The 63 was one shy of the 27-year-old Cauley’s career low (62 at the McGladney Classic in 2012) and two off the tournament mark of 61 shared by David Frost and Troy Merritt.

Cauley was two in front of Luke Donald, Graham DeLaet and Sam Saunders, the grandson of the late Arnold Palmer. Russell Henley continued his recent run of top-flight golf with a 66 to join a group that included former U.S. Open winner Webb Simpson and Ian Poulter.

Trophee Hassan II

Gary Stal, Gregory Havret, James Morrison, and Lucas Bjerregaard made 3-under-par 70s to share the lead after the first round of the European Tour’s Trophee Hassan II in Rabat, Morocco.

Stal was the early pacesetter while Havret and Morrison also made five birdies and two bogeys to be part of the leading group at the Royal Dar Es Salam club.

Bjerregaard’s adventurous round included an eagle, six birdies, and five bogeys.