Birmingham NIT: Blair Hamm leads by one after opening 68

Round 1: Blair Hamm sets the pace with 68

Blair Hamm returned to the National Invitational Tournament with another strong performance, opening with a 3-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead at The Country Club of Birmingham.

Hamm, who tied for fifth last year, edged ahead of Jackson King, Robbie Keyes and Keith Guest on the West Course. Five more players sit another stroke behind, leaving nine golfers within two shots of the lead.