Golf-Australian Senden in share of Houston lead

HOUSTON, April 3 (Reuters) - Australian John Senden rolled in a 40-foot birdie putt on his final hole to move into a three-way tie for the Houston Open lead when the weather-delayed first round was completed on Friday.

Senden, who had teed off at the par-four 10th, piled up seven birdies for a flawless seven-under-par 65 to set the pace with Americans Briny Baird and Nicholas Thompson.

Britain's Paul Casey, helped by a run of five birdies in six holes, fired a 66 to finish level with Australian James Nitties and Americans Tommy Armour III, DA Points, Colt Knost and Scott Piercy.

Australian Geoff Ogilvy, the 2006 U.S. Open champion, opened with a 67 while PGA Tour veteran Fred Couples carded a 68.

The opening round was suspended on Thursday after thunderstorms had delayed the start by 2-1/2 hours before high winds made play impossible later in the day.

Fortunately weather conditions were calm and clear at Redstone Golf Club as organisers desperately tried to make up for lost time.

"Yesterday was sunny and windy and they pulled us off the course," Couples, 49, told reporters after recording five birdies and one bogey. "It just got too gusty, the greens were too fast and balls were rolling.

"It really turned out to be beautiful out there today. Yesterday was pretty brutal and to be one under when we stopped was truly a good feeling.

"To go out today and make some birdies was good. I hit the ball pretty solid and I would say got it around nicely."