Duo secure narrow Shootout lead
Steve Stricker returned from a three-month lay-off to secure a one-shot lead with partner Jerry Kelly after the first round of the Franklin Templeton Shootout.
The American pair – who won the tournament in 2009 – shot a 16-under par round of 56 in the scramble format at the Tiburon Golf Club, in Naples, to edge ahead of Harris English and Matt Kuchar.
Striker hadn’t played since September’s Deutsche Bank Championship, but his round included a 60-foot putt for eagle on the par five sixth, as he enjoyed a successful reunion with Kelly on the eighth time they have played as a double-act.
“We both kept the pedal down all the way around, we never let up,” said Stricker.
“We made a lot of good birdies, threw in an improbable eagle at the sixth hole, but other than that it was just good, solid golf all the way around, all the way to the end.
“Usually we have little hiccups here and there or a little lull period and today that never happened. We just continued that good play every hole really."
Former champions English and Kuchar have finished second for the last two years, with Jason Dufner and Brandt Snedeker pipping them to the 2015 title.
Dufner and Snedeker lie in joint fourth at 12 under par alongside Kevin Chappell and Kevin Kisner, and Luke Donald and Russell Knox, with those three teams a shot adrift of third placed Charles Howell III and Rory Sabbatini.
The teams will compete in modified alternate shot on Friday, before a final round of better ball.
Latest
-
NewsTiger Woods car crash caused by excessive speed
Woods was released from hospital earlier this month after sustaining a number of serious injuries.
-
NewsJon Rahm not concerned about lack of Masters practice after birth of first child
Rahm’s wife Kelley gave birth to a baby boy on Saturday.
-
NewsDustin Johnson and those after his Masters crown – 5 players to watch at Augusta
The likes of Rory McIlory, Jordan Spieth and Bryson DeChambeau are tipped to challenge.
-
NewsAugusta set to take centre stage as Masters returns to spring setting
Scoring records were shattered in November as Covid-19 meant the Masters was moved from its traditional spring slot.
-
NewsRory McIlroy focused on ‘big picture’ as he bids to end title drought
McIlroy goes into this week’s Masters ranked 12th in the world.
-
NewsDustin Johnson believes he is ‘getting there’ ahead of Masters defence
The 36-year-old is bidding to become just the fourth player to win back-to-back titles.
-
NewsJustin Thomas says Tiger Woods will be a big miss at the Masters
Woods is recovering at home following a single-vehicle crash in Los Angeles on February 23.
-
NewsLee Westwood targets breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record of oldest Masters winner
Westwood will celebrate his 48th birthday just 13 days after the end of the 85th Masters.
-
NewsWATCH: Bryson DeChambeau explains how he’ll approach the Masters
The American plans to be even more aggressive than he was in November.
-
NewsMasters glory would make Rory McIlroy a ‘legend’ – Nick Dougherty
The 31-year-old is bidding to join a select group of players who have claimed all four major titles.