(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-01-18 14:37

PALM DESERT, California - D.J. Trahan birdied his first four holes en route to a tie for the lead with fellow American Robert Gamez in the Bob Hope Classic second round on Thursday.

Trahan shrugged off blustery conditions to fire a sparkling eight-under-par 64 at the SilverRock Resort layout, one of four venues hosting the 90-hole pro-am celebrity event.

D.J. Trahan checks out the leader board before putting out on the 18th green during the second round of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic golf tournament at SilverRock Resort in La Quinta, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008. Trahan shot an 8-under-par 64 for a two-day score of 13 under par. [Agencies]

Gamez, a three-times winner on the PGA Tour, carded a bogey-free 65 at La Quinta Country Club to join Trahan at 13-under 131 in the third event of the season.

American Justin Leonard, the 2005 champion, finished birdie-birdie at La Quinta for a 64 and third place at 12 under, two ahead of Australian Steve Elkington who returned a 68 on the Palmer Course at PGA West.

U.S. Ryder Cup player Scott Verplank was among a group of six players bunched at nine under after shooting a 65 at the hosting Classic Club.

Trahan, whose only PGA Tour victory came at the 2006 Southern Farm Bureau Classic, was delighted with his round.

"It was definitely a little bit tough today with the wind blowing but four birdies to start the day, what more could you ask for?" the 27-year-old told reporters.

"I actually missed a short one for birdie on the 14th hole (his fifth) to really get off well. But I was very pleased with a round like that in those conditions."

Trahan, who turned professional in 2003, missed the cut in his two previous appearances at the Bob Hope Classic but relishes playing in the pro-am format.

PERSONABLE PERSON

"The format doesn't bother me," he said after piling up nine birdies and a lone bogey. "I feel like I am a pretty personable person and I enjoy talking with my playing partners while still focusing and playing good golf.

"I feel comfortable playing with amateurs and chatting and helping them out, maybe reading putts or whatever.

"The fact that we play four different courses certainly makes things a little bit more difficult because you never really feel like you're getting comfortable with any one course."

Leonard, who won the most recent of his 11 PGA Tour titles at last year's Texas Open, was also in upbeat mood after contending with winds gusting up to 35 kph.

"I hit the ball very well and the greens are so good here you can't help but make a few putts. I just happened to make my share today," he said after taking only 26 putts.

"It was a very solid day all-round. I've always enjoyed coming and playing at the Hope. It's a great place early in the year to get some rust off and it's a relaxed atmosphere."

A special bonus for Leonard, winner of the 1997 British Open at Royal Troon, was playing in the company of rock stars Alice Cooper and Meat Loaf.

"I have played with Alice a couple of times and he's a really nice guy, very laid-back and a good golfer," Leonard said.

"And Meat Loaf couldn't be a sweeter guy. He struggled a little bit with his game today but he made a great par on the last hole. It was fun to be there today."