Patrick Reed shoots 9-under 63 to take Humana Challenge lead

Patrick Reed hits from the fifth tee during the first round of the Humana Challenge PGA golf tournament on the Palmer Private course at PGA West, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, in La Quinta, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt York) (The Associated Press)

Patrick Reed looks toward the gallery after his putt on the fourth green during the first round of the Humana Challenge PGA golf tournament on the Palmer Private course at PGA West, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, in La Quinta, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt York) (The Associated Press)

LA QUINTA, Calif. – Patrick Reed went low in perfect scoring and weather conditions Thursday at the Humana Challenge. He wasn't alone.

Reed ran off five straight birdies in the middle of his round on PGA West's Arnold Palmer Private Course and finished with a bogey-free 9-under 63.

Ryan Palmer, Justin Hicks, Daniel Summerhays and Charley Hoffman shot 64. Palmer played the Palmer course, Hicks and Summerhays opened on the Jack Nicklaus Private Course, and Hoffman, the 2007 winner, was at La Quinta Country Club.

Reed, the Wyndham Championship winner in August, started on the back nine and birdied Nos. 16-18 and 1-2 to get to 7-under. He added birdies on Nos. 6 and 7.

Kapalua winner Zach Johnson topped the group at 65. He played at La Quinta.