Debut rocky for heralded PGA rookie

Associated Press

The Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal, left, is wrapped up by the Clippers' Michael Olowokandi in a game Wednesday. The Lakers don't look like two-time defending NBA champions, but nobody's in a panic yet.The Associated Press

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The PGA Tour's youngest rookie received a rude welcome Thursday in the Phoenix Open.

Seventeen-year-old Ty Tryon figured the toughest part of his debut would be nerves. He also had to deal with cold, blustery conditions, and a golf swing that went on recess during a front nine that left him numb.

"The more bad shots I hit, the more nervous I got," he said.

Tryon recovered with a birdie on his final hole for a 6-over 77. Only one other player fared worse in the opening round, although Tryon was hardly concerned.

Neither was the man 13 strokes ahead of him, Steve Flesch, who ran off four straight birdies and wound up with a 64 for a one-stroke lead over Duffy Waldorf.