Sean O'Hair takes first-round lead at EDS Byron Nelson Championship

From WorldGolf.com News Services

Continuing his scorching play on the PGA Tour, Sean O'Hair fired a season-best 65 to take the first-round lead at the EDS Byron Nelson Championship. Defending champion Brett Wetterich and Anders Hansen are a stroke back.

Just 24, O'Hair's career has mostly been notable for the story of his upbringing, as he was pushed by his father into the professional ranks at the tender age of 17. It was two years ago at the very same event that the story of O'Hair's upbringing was given big play by the golf media, as O'Hair found himself in contention.

O'Hair told reporters he has moved past that time of his life and was focusing on golf and family now.

"You want to be known for obviously who you are as a person and your game, those two things. You don't want to be known for other stuff," said O'Hair. "I think as far as my life, my life is in a great spot. I mean, I've got two beautiful kids that I love to death and I've got a beautiful wife who does nothing but support me. I've just got a great support system, and I just think that I'm very blessed and I'm very fortunate to be in the situation that I'm in."

In 2007, O'Hair's play has been the only thing gaining him attention, and is coming off four consecutive Top-15 finishes, highlighted by a seventh-place finish at the Verizon Heritage. O'Hair currently ranks No. 63 on the PGA Tour money list, having earned more than $400,000 thus far. O'Hair said confidence has been a main cog in his improved play.

"You know, obviously for somebody to come out here and compete with the best, you've got to have confidence," said O'Hair. "And I'm starting to get to that point where I understand what makes me play well, and it's just - certain things to do, whether it be working out, whether it be things to do after a round or before a round. I'm starting to kind of get into some routines and stuff, just stuff like that that helps you play better."
Wetterich, who will be known as the last Byron Nelson Championship winner that Byron Nelson personally congratulated, eagled hole No. 16 and just missed a birdie putt on the final hole that would have given him a share of the lead.

"I'm not sure what it is. You know, I just for some reason seemed to play well on this golf course the past couple years, even the year before. So I don't know what it is," Wetterich told reporters. "You know, I'm hitting the ball well and I made some putts out there today, and I guess if you can do those two things it's going to add to a good score."

Scott Verplank and Luke Donald lead a group two shots back at 3-under. Phil Mickelson, the highest-rated player in the field and playing his first round with Butch Harmon as swing coach, shot a 69, to leave him four shots off the lead along with Vijay Singh.

April 27, 2007