Howell cards 64 to grab 1st-round lead at RSM Classic

Charles Howell III fired an 8-under 64 to hold a two-stroke lead after Round 1 of the RSM Classic on Thursday.

He hit 14 of 14 fairways and didn't miss a single green during his bogey-free round on the Plantation Course at Sea Island Resort in Georgia. It's the first time in his career he's achieved both feats in a round.

Howell is looking to pick up his first PGA Tour win since the 2007 Nissan Open.

Defending champion Austin Cook and J.J. Spaun are two shots back of Howell after shooting opening-round 66s.

Brian Harman and Peter Uihlein carded 4-under rounds of 66 on the more difficult Seaside Course at Sea Island Resort. The tournament's final two rounds will be played on this course.

Notable Webb Simpson shot 1-under on the Seaside Course to sit in a tie for 45th.