Rookie Brian Harman's 65 beats star threesome

Brian Harman was playing Thursday in the wake turbulence of the group ahead of him -- Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Zach Johnson. That was a good thing. With only a single bogey to offset his seven birdies, Harman shot a 65 to tie for second with Nick Watney, that score beating the stars in front of him.

Harman is a rookie, making the leap to the PGA Tour by finishing eighth in qualifying school last fall. This mere wisp of a player, 5-7 and 150 pounds (counting his metal spikes), was working toward a 59 at the Honda Classic this season. The lefthander from the University of Georgia shot a 61.

He was quite happy to be the trailer to the Tiger and Rory show. "One group behind the show. They've done some incredible things for the game," Harman said. "That's cool to watch those guys in their element and learn something."

66 for more mellow Perez

Pat Perez is often known more for a hot head than hot rounds. He got off to a hot start Thursday, making birdies on his first three holes (10-12) and went on to shoot a 66.

If you remember Perez at all, it might be from last year's Reno-Tahoe Open, when he missed short putts on the last three holes when he had a chance to win. He nearly shredded a gallery rope as he left the scorer's tent. Then he stormed past a lone little boy who sought his autograph, and as he did so, Perez smashed a water bottle to the tarmac. The incident was caught on tape and went viral on YouTube.

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But Perez took to Twitter to try to find the young man, describing his actions as unprofessional. He soon located the boy's father and arranged to send a signed golf bag to him. And at this year's Reno-Tahoe Open, Perez declared himself devoid of his temper.

Bradley rebounds for 71

Keegan Bradley, former St. John's star and current honorary member at Wheatley Hills, overcame a rough start to shoot 71.