STRUGGLING US PGA Tour veteran Brian Claar showed sign of life yesterday by shooting his lowest round of an otherwise miserable year. Claar fired a five under par 66 in the first round of the BC Open, at Endicott, New York, for a one stroke lead over a group of six players, including last year's runner up Jim McGovern.

Tied with McGovern at four under 67 were Brad Faxon, Tommy Tolles, Wayne Levi. Peter Jordan and Larry Rinker. Another nine players, including fledgling professional star Tiger Woods, were two strokes off the pace at 68.