Olazabal surprises himself with superb opener

text size

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Jose Maria Olazabal didn't expect to find himself on the leaderboard after the first round, not with the arthritis that prevents him from scheduling more than four weeks out.

But he carded a bogey-free 4-under 66 on Thursday at the St. Jude Classic for his best round this year, putting him two strokes back of Brian Gay in a tie for third after what he called an excellent day.

"I didn't expect it to be honest, but that's the game of golf," Olazabal said.

This is only his fourth event this year following 2008 when he made only four PGA TOUR starts. But Olazabal tied for sixth at the Verizon Heritage for his first top 10 since 2007. He said he is feeling OK, not 100 percent or pain free. He credits trainers with treating him and keeping him going.

"I'm pushing myself as much as I can," he said.

Olazabal tied for 36th at Memorial and followed up with 36 holes in an U.S. Open qualifier on Monday. On Thursday, he took advantage of a course softened a bit by a thunderstorm before the round started followed by some spotty rain early.

Next up will be the French Open, then he will try to qualify for the British Open. And his health issues?

"It's something that I don't wish on anybody," he said.

For Olazabal's complete Thursday transcript, click here.