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
-
PGA ChampionshipJordan Spieth looking for career grand slam at US PGA Championship
The presence or absence of defending champion Phil Mickelson which will dominate the conversation at Southern Hills.
-
PGA Championship5 contenders to win the US PGA Championship
Tiger Woods could contend for victory in Tulsa.
-
NewsWe’ve got your back – Greg Norman promises to defend players on breakaway tour
Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood are among the professionals to have asked for the required release to play the first event at Centurion Club.
-
Ryder CupThomas Bjorn named as Henrik Stenson’s first vice-captain for 2023 Ryder Cup
Stenson was one of Bjorn’s 12 players when he led Europe to 2018 glory in Paris.
-
PGA TourGreg Norman criticises PGA Tour after LIV Golf Invitational Series block
Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood are among the players known to have asked for the required release.
-
NewsTiger Woods and Phil Mickelson confirmed for US PGA Championship
Woods last appeared at the Masters while Mickelson has not played since February.
-
European TourThorbjorn Olesen savours ‘special’ British Masters win after ‘some tough years’
The Dane was at a loss for words after securing his first win since 2018.
-
European TourThorbjorn Olesen in command at British Masters but braced for final-day nerves
The Dane holds a three-shot lead on 11 under par.
-
European TourDanny Willett likes idea of presenting British Masters trophy to himself
The tournament host is three shots off the lead at the halfway stage.
-
NewsJustin Rose drives to make golf accessible to all
The Olympic gold medallist is dreaming of getting the sport on the national curriculum.