US Open champion Corey Pavin began the new year where, he left off in 1995, by grabbing the opening round lead at the $1 million Mercedes Championship in Carlsbad, California yesterday.

Pavin carded a flawless five under par 67 in delightful conditions at sunny La Costa. He led the PGA Tour's season opening event by one stroke over Mark O Meara, while Masters champion Ben Crenshaw was tied with Scott Hoch and D A Weibring two shots back.

Pavin, using a new ball which he says goes further and higher, birdied five holes on the front nine before parring the inward nine. He extended to 63 his string of boles without a bogey, stretching back to his second round at Sun, City.

Peter Jacobsen withdrew before the round with a back injury, reducing the elite field.