SAN ANTONIO — Matt Bettencourt has spent the last year searching for answers to his severe asthma problem.

The journeyman PGA golfer finally found that answer last week, in the form of the right combination of medication.

His comfort showed on the golf course Thursday as he shot a 5-under par 67 to earn a share of the lead with Peter Tomasulo, and hold off a field that includes Rory McIlroy, after the first round of the Texas Open.

Bettencourt needed only 25 putts to hold off a group of four players — including former British Open and PGA Championship winner Padraig Harrington — at 4 under.