HONOLULU — Graham DeLaet has never been happier to be on the PGA Tour, and it showed Thursday in the Sony Open.

One year after back surgery that made him wonder if he could ever play golf again, DeLaet chipped in for eagle and twice holed 35-foot birdie putts for a 7-under 63 that gave the Canadian a two-shot lead among the early starters.

Carl Pettersson and former Sony Open champion K.J. Choi were among those at 65, while Webb Simpson was in the group at 66.

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