Jones, McNeill share early Puerto Rico lead

Australia’s Matt Jones and American George McNeill overcame strong winds to share the first-round lead at six-under 66 in the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open.

Jones eagled the par-5 second hole and had five birdies and a bogey on the Trump International course. “I had unbelievable ball-striking,” Jones said. “I think I was pin high every hole except 17, when I wanted to be a bit short of it, then I made good putts, had a good eagle to get started and had a great day.”

McNeill, who won the 2007 Frys.com Open for his lone PGA Tour title, had a bogey-free round. “It’s just like Florida, so it felt comfortable, and I happened to play well,” McNeill said. “Obviously, I hit it pretty well and putted pretty well, and the few greens that I missed, I chipped close and had tap-ins and everything else, so I avoided the mistakes.”

Ben Curtis was a stroke back at 67. Jeff Overton, Todd Hamilton, Kevin Kisner and Daniel Summerhays followed at 68, while Japanese star Ryo Ishikawa carded a 70.