The American duo of Justin Leonard and Scott Verplank shared the lead with countrymen Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly after Friday's first round of the Shark Shootout, both pairs on six-under par.

The three million-dollar event features 12 pairs of golfers from the US PGA Tour playing three different formats in as many days, starting with a modified alternate shot where all drove on every hole, then teams chose a ball to play.

Saturday features a better-ball format while Sunday's final round is a best-ball scramble.

South African Tim Clark and US partner Chad Campbell were one stroke off the pace, sharing third with Americans Dustin Johnson and Steve Flesch.

English duo Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter were fifth at four-under par.

Kenny Perry, who teamed with Scott Hoch to win last year, plays alongside J.B. Holmes this year. They were ninth on two-under.

Zimbabwe's Nick Price and American Zach Johnson were on one-under, level for 10th with Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and American Boo Weekley.

© 2009 AFP/sid