GOLF / PGA AT LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. : Elkington, Pavin, Nelson Are Tied at 65
Steve Elkington bounced back from a pool accident to shoot a seven-under-par 65 Wednesday to share the first-round lead at the Walt Disney World Golf Classic with Corey Pavin and Larry Nelson.
Elkington made five consecutive birdies at one point, and Nelson had eight birdies overall to offset his only bogey. Both played opening rounds on the 7,190-yard Magnolia course in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., one of three used by the field of 132 pros.
Pavin, the PGA’s leading money-winner this year with $905,180, was one of only two players on the leader board who played the 6,957-yard Palm course.
Elkington, seeking his second victory this year, said he felt the effects of a broken nose sustained Monday at a nearby wave pool when he crashed face first into the back of a youngster’s head.
“My nose is OK,” the Australian said. “But my eye is starting to close up and my neck is killing me.”
Elkington said the 60-pound youngster he ran into at the pool was not hurt.
Pavin strung together four consecutive birdies on the backside and then finished with four consecutive pars to catch Elkington and Nelson, who finished by noon.
“It’s probably the first time I’ve been this relaxed (since) before the Ryder Cup,” said Pavin, who lives in Orlando, Fla.
Nelson, who has won more than $3 million on the tour but has not had a victory since 1988, birdied his last four holes.
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