Anderson leads by 3 in California

Desert Hot Springs, CA – Stuart Anderson fired an eight-under stroke lead after the opening round of the Desert Dunes Classic.

Anderson claimed his fourth tour title earlier this year at the Canadian Tour Championship. He missed Adam Hadwin's course record at Desert Dunes Golf Club by a single stroke.

The 33-year-old Anderson started in the third group out off the 10th tee. He carded his first birdie on the 11th, then drained back-to-back birdie chances from the 15th.

Anderson followed a birdie on the 18th with birdies and at the first and second to get to six-under. He later birdied the fourth and seventh before parring the last two to lead by three.

Dan Buchner, Andy Matthews, Chris Killmer and Matt Daniel are tied for second place at five-under 67.

Adam Cornelson carded a four-under 68 and he was joined in a share of sixth place by James Love, Darren Griff, David Dragoo and Matt Richardson.

Cornelson stands 92nd on the tour's Order of Merit and needs to get inside the top 80 to retain his tour card for 2012.

Ryan Thornberry, who entered the week as No. 80 on the Order of Merit, opened with an even-par 72 and is tied for 46th.