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Every, Perez among those tied for the lead on a cool, tough day in Florida

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Matt Every hits from a sand trap on the ninth hole during the first round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament Thursday, March 13, 2014, in Palm Harbor, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (The Associated Press)

Greg Chalmers, of Australia, hits from the rough along the ninth fairway during the first round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament at Innisbrook on Thursday, March 13, 2014, in Palm Harbor, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (The Associated Press)

Matt Every made the best of the worst conditions Thursday and wound up in a four-way tie for the lead in the Valspar Championship.

The Copperhead course at Innisbrook is tough even in good weather. Throw in chilly temperatures and gusts over 20 mph, and it was even harder in the opening round. Pat Perez, Greg Chalmers and Danny Lee played in warmer weather in the afternoon and joined Every atop the leaderboard at 3-under 68.

Only three players broke 70 in the morning. Eight others broke 70 in the afternoon.

Among those at 69 were Matteo Manassero of Italy, Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium and Bill Haas.

Justin Rose, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 7, opened with a 71.