Golf Capsules

May 29, 2009

FORT WORTH, Texas -Vijay Singh stopped playing at the Colonial Country Club when Annika Sorenstam showed up in 2003. Hes finally back - and among the leaders.

Singh shot a 6-under 64 on Thursday, leaving him a stroke behind Woody Austin, Tim Clark and Steve Stricker after the first round of the Crowne Plaza Invitational.

Singh played the event all but once from 1996-2002. He was set to return in 03, then withdrew after criticizing the decision to allow a woman into the field.

Playing partner Kenny Perry, a two-time Colonial winner, also shot a 64.

Paul Casey, playing his first tournament since moving up to No. 3 in the world rankings, opened with a 66. He won the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday at Wentworth in England for his third victory of the season.

Ian Baker-Finch, celebrating the 20-year anniversary of his Colonial victory, shot a 68 in his second competitive start in 12 years. The 48-year-old Australian, a television commentator for the last decade, hadnt played tournament golf in eight years since shooting 74-77 at Colonial to miss the cut.

NCAA Championship

TOLEDO, Ohio - North Carolina States Matt Hill made three birdies on the homeward nine holes and held off his closest pursuers to win the individual title Thursday in the NCAA Division I golf championship at Inverness Club.

Hill, a sophomore from Brights Grove, Ontario, shot his third consecutive 2-under 69 to finish at 6-under 207. Clemson junior Kyle Stanley matched the days low round with a 66 to finish second, two strokes back.

Oklahoma State led the eight teams qualifying for the new match-play format that begins with the quarterfinals Friday morning. The team championship match is set for Saturday morning. Oklahoma State will face eighth-seeded Georgia.

European Open

ASH, England - Denmarks Anders Hansen holed an eagle chip on the par-5 eighth hole - his 17th of the day - and finished with a 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead in the European Open.

Swedens Peter Hanson, South Africas Thomas Aiken, Englands Sam Little and Indias Jyoti Randhawa opened with 66s at The London Club. Ben Curtis had a 68, Sergio Garcia shot a 69, and John Daly had a 71. Masters champion Angel Cabrera shot a 72.