McNeill leads fog-hit McGladrey Classic after birdie binge

George McNeill of the U.S. watches his tee shot on the 11th hole during the third round of the Wells Fargo Championship PGA golf tournament at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina May 4, 2013. REUTERS/Chris Keane

(Reuters) - American George McNeill rode eight birdies, including a stretch of five in a row, to grab a one-shot lead late in a fog-affected incomplete first round of the McGladrey Classic on the Seaside layout at Sea Island, Georgia on Thursday.

McNeill was eight under par through 16 holes when darkness halted play following a morning fog delay, leaving him one clear of compatriots Briny Baird and Brian Gay, who both fired seven-under rounds of 63 in the morning wave.