Indian Wells Surrenders Two of Three 63s in Hope

LA QUINTA — Here’s a big surprise: There’s a three-way tie for the lead after Wednesday’s first round of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, and two of the leaders played at Indian Wells.

That would be John Huston and Ben Bates, who toured Indian Wells in nine-under 63, the same score Tom Pernice posted at the Palmer Course at PGA West.

Huston, who travels with a mattress cover stuffed with magnets to help his sore back, managed seven birdies and an eagle and proved to be a master of the understatement.

“I played extremely well today,” he said.

He was not alone, which is to be expected on the Hope courses that are designed for carnage. Indian Wells heads the list--only 6,478 yards of pure birdie power.

Everyone in the field knows you need to torch Indian Wells to have a chance. Fred Couples, the defending champion, had an even-par 72 at Bermuda Dunes and doesn’t get Indian Wells until Friday, but he knows what’s at stake.

“What you don’t want to do is drive through Indian Wells with a 69,” he said. “You do that at Indian Wells and I’d say your week is done.”

Of course, with 18 holes done and a mere 72 to go, the week is only beginning. Jeff Freeman, the assistant pro at Tamarisk who is playing in his second PGA Tour event, had a 64 and is tied with Jonathan Kaye for fourth.

Said Freeman: “Holy cow.”

Indeed. Fred Funk, Rocco Mediate and Bo Van Pelt are next at 65 and there is a group of five at 66 that includes Bob Tway, Peter Jacobsen and Steve Pate.

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The Leaders

Top scores after 18 holes of the $3-million Bob Hope Chrysler Classic at La Quinta (par 72):

Tom Pernice Jr.: 63

John Huston: 63

Ben Bates: 63

Jeff Freeman: 64

Jonathan Kaye: 64

Fred Funk: 65

Rocco Mediate: 65

Bo Van Pelt: 65

Jim Carter: 66

Fulton Allem: 66

Peter Jacobsen: 66

Steve Pate: 66

Bob Tway: 66

* Complete scores Page 9