Magee Shoots 9-Under To Lead In Hope Classic

Andrew Magee, seeking his first tour victory in more than three years, clipped seven shots off par on the front nine Wednesday in a 9-under 63 that gave him the first-round lead in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Fred Couples, Brad Fabel and Steve Lowery were one shot behind after the opening day of the 90-hole tournament held at four different courses in the desert resort area.

Magee, who had a pair of runner-up finishes in tour events last year, played at Indian Wells Country Club, a 6,478-yard layout considered the easiest of the courses.

Fabel and Lowery also shot their 64s at Indian Wells. Couples matched that at La Quinta, which plays to 6,901 yards.

Both David Duval, who won his last three starts of 1997, and Willie Wood carded 65s at Indian Wells.