Sports

Scott Gardiner takes early lead as McIlroy, Westwood lurk 1 behind

Associated Press
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Scott Gardiner, of Australia, watches his tee shot on the 16th hole during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, May 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond) (The Associated Press)

Lee Westwood, of England, hits an approach shot on the ninth hole during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, May 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (The Associated Press)

Scott Gardiner ended his streak of eight missed cuts in a row by taking the early lead Friday in the Wells Fargo Championship.

Gardiner ran off four straight birdies at the turn and made all pars the rest of the way for a 5-under 67 at Quail Hollow. That gave him a one-shot lead among the early starters, with some heavyweights right behind.

Rory McIlroy overcame a rugged start for a 71, while Lee Westwood had a 68. Also one shot back was Rod Pampling, the ninth alternate who was planning to play on the Web.com Tour this week.

Gardiner said he was surprised to be leading. He has not made a cut since Pebble Beach, nearly three months ago.