Romero shoots 66 to lead Puerto Rico Open, Hearn two shots back

RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico — Andres Romero shot a 6-under 66 on Thursday to take the first-round lead in the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open, while Canada’s David Hearn was part of a group two shots back.

Romero birdied three of his last five holes in a bogey-free round at Coco Beach Golf and Country Club. The 37-year-old Argentine player won his lone PGA Tour titles in New Orleans in 2008 and has two European Tour victories.

Austria’s Sepp Straka was a stroke back in the event that was cancelled last year because of Hurricane Maria.

Hearn, of Brantford, Ont., was at 68 with Ben Crane, Ollie Schniederjans, Roberto Castro, Martin Piller, Roberto Diaz, Joey Garber, Nate Lashley and Alex Kang. Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., and Clemson senior Bryson Nimmer topped the group at 69. Calgary’s Roger Sloan was part of a group at 70.

Daniel Berger, at No. 72 has the highest world ranking in the field, opened with a 70. D.A. Points, the 2017 winner, shot 71. Puerto Rico’s Rafael Campos, a winner on the Web.com Tour at the start of the year, had a 73.

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Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., was at 2-over 74 and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., was at 6-over 78.

The winner will receive a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and an exemption to the PGA Championship, but won’t get an invitation to the Masters.

The Associated Press